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Devon Councils spend more than £200,000 on award ceremonies

The figure includes spending from 2015.

The figures show between Devon County Council, the Unitary authorities in Plymouth and Torbay, and Devon’s eight district councils, £213,085 has been spent.

Plymouth City Council spent the most of the 11 councils – £89,838.89 – which was the most of all the councils in the South West – but a spokesperson confirmed the figures related to award ceremonies over a three year period, and that it covered their annual excellence in care award, awards recognising foster carers, and their annual staff awards, which are sponsored.

In contrast, East Devon, North Devon and Torridge councils spent nothing at all. Cornwall Council spent £9,142.

Nationwide, Derbyshire County Council spent the most, spending £218,483. UK-wide, the average cost to the taxpayer on award ceremonies was £18,064, with only Devon, Plymouth and Exeter councils spending more.

HERE IS HOW MUCH EACH COUNCIL IN DEVON SPENT

Council Spend
Devon County Council £62,810
East Devon £0
Exeter £33,074.45
Mid Devon £2,395.50
North Devon £0
Plymouth £89,838.89
South Hams £2,393.45
Teignbridge £14,583
Torbay £6,000
Torridge £0
West Devon £1,989.80
Total £213,085

In response to the figures, a Plymouth City Council spokesman said: “We are very proud that our annual excellence in care award celebrates the role of care workers and showcases best practice across care in the city, from nursing homes and care homes to those who provide domiciliary care in people’s homes and supported living.

“We recognise our foster carers for their invaluable service to children and young people and the vital contribution they make towards the lives of children in care and we also recognise the hard work and achievements of the children and young people in our care.

“Our annual staff awards, which acknowledges those who have gone that extra mile to serve our residents, is only possible thanks to sponsorship from our partners. ”

A Devon County Council spokesman said: “This sum comes from our total turnover of £1.4 billion every year and helps contribute to both staff morale and community spirit in a county of three quarters of a million people.”

An Exeter City Council spokesman said that they did not wish to comment on the report.

Mid Devon, North Devon and East Devon Council’s all said that they had nothing they felt needed to be said on the figures.

No response to request for comment was received by Torbay, Torridge, Teignbridge, South Hams and West Devon councils.

The figures came from Freedom of Information requests made by the TaxPayers’ Alliance, asking the total cost of award ceremonies in 2015-16, 16-17 and 17-18.

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