NI councils shell out over half a million pounds on ceremonies
The 11 local authorities spent more than three times than the UK average
Last updated 21st Feb 2019
Eleven councils across Northern Ireland have shelled out nearly £600,000 of rate payers money on awards ceremonies in the last three years.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Bourough Council spent the largest amount of money in Northern Ireland - a staggering £162,188.67.
That was the second highest amount across the whole of the UK.
The lowest amount was £2,013 - spent by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
**Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council 'refused' to reveal their spending**
That figure does not include the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council - who the TaxPayers Alliance say refused to disclose the amount they spent.
An investigation by the TaxPayers' Alliance into council spending has revealed Northern Ireland spent over 3 times more than the average UK local authority on award ceremonies.
Overall, local authorities in the UK have spent over £6 million on award ceremonies since 2015, with the average cost to the taxpayer per council being £18,064.
Commenting on the report, John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance said:
"Families in the UK who work hard to pay for their council tax will be disappointed to discover that so many local authorities are still spending money on unnecessary extravagances.
"There's nothing wrong with congratulating staff who work hard or celebrating local businesses, but councils should prioritise the essential services that they are paid to provide.
**Taxpayers money is being spent on 'unnecessary extravagances'**
"It's encouraging to see that so many councils were successful in negotiating sponsorship arrangements to pay for some ceremonies, and all local authorities in the UK should seek to do the same."
Click here to view the full report
A spokesperson for ABC Council said:
“TaxPayers’ Alliance contacted us in August and December last year and we confirmed to them that we held several award ceremonies over the three-year period specified, including The Community Awards, annual Senior Sports Awards, annual Junior Sports Awards, Food Heartland Awards and the Borough Business Awards.
“These events are organised to recognise and champion local success and community achievement, and are exceptionally well-supported by attendees and sponsors. The figures quoted represent the total cost of these events before deducting income from ticket sales or private sector sponsorship."