A PLUSH meal to celebrate the NHS and ambulance drivers will cost the Basildon taxpayer £2,500, it has been revealed.

Councillors, doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers will all be treated to a minimum of a three course meal at the posh Billericay restaurant Magic Mushroom, after they were handed the Freedom of Basildon award.

Both the NHS and the East of England Ambulance Service were honoured as a mark of respect for their heroic efforts during the Covid pandemic.

Now, Basildon Council will hold a ceremony for both trusts at the restaurant, at Barleylands Farm.

The restaurant will come at a cost of £2,500, out of the taxpayers pockets, it has been claimed.

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David Dadds, the Mayor of Basildon, who will host the event, said: “From what I understand it’s going to covered by a sponsor, but if it’s not, the cost is reasonable.

“The numbers are limited, it’s not for every member of the council.

“It’s a combined event, both for the NHS and the ambulance service.

“We should recognise what both have done for us during the Covid pandemic.”

Labour leader Jack Ferguson is set to give his seat up at the table due to the costs.

Celebrations had been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions.

Kerry Smith, former deputy leader, said: “It’s a beautiful place this restaurant.

“It’s a huge expense to the taxpayer.

“With events like these before, the council would use catering companies to come to the council chamber and buildings themselves.

“It seems like that’s all changed.”

At the Magic Mushroom, three courses cost £39 per person, excluding drinks.

Those who receive the Freedom of Basildon status usually have their names inscribed on boards at the council offices as an additional reorganisation of their dedication to the borough.

However due to the amount of space needed, granting this to NHS staff won’t be possible, the council says.

Basildon Council was contacted for comment but failed to respond.