Cheongsong-gun council cuts entire overseas training budget

The Cheongsong-gun Council in North Gyeongsang Province has decided to cut its entire overseas training budget for lawmakers and council civil servants this year.

The council said Sunday the decision, made Thursday, reflects the body's strong commitment to leading by example in reducing expenditures as residents struggle under prolonged high prices and an economic slowdown.

The council had originally allocated 55 million won ($39,500) for overseas training for its seven members this year.

"All council members agreed that taxpayers' hard-earned money must be spent solely on improving residents' quality of life and advancing the region's development," a council official said.