Council award ceremonies: Money for canapés and medals better spent on public services

Research by the TaxPayers' Alliance has revealed how much local councils have spent on award ceremonies in the last financial year.

The money went towards tickets, accommodation, travel and catering for events such as the Loo of the Year and the Magic Of Motown.

Of all the Councils in the UK, Glasgow City Council spent the most hosting and attending award ceremonies, totalling almost £83,000. Fife Council attended and hosted the most ceremonies with a total of 34.

Ruth Davidson MSP, Scottish Conservative Local Government Spokesperson, said:

"Good work can and should be recognised, but I am appalled to see so much public money being spent by Glasgow City Council and others on award ceremonies. Thousands of pounds, coming directly from the wages of taxpayers, are being used to host events treated as junkets by councillors and others.

"You can bet your bottom dollar the attendance level would drop dramatically if they weren't being subsidised by ordinary Scots. The million pounds being paid for canapés and medals would be better spent on public services."

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