Charity donations made in return for hospitality; Chief executive pays pounds 1,000 after inquiry.

Byline: DAVID BARTLETT 

SENIOR council officials made hundreds of pounds of donations to the Lord Mayor's charity after an investigation into hospitality lavished on them.

The inquiry was launched after a number of potential breaches in policies and procedures were found.

There was no evidence of corruption or officials being put under undue influence, but city treasurer Robert Corbett reviewed the hospitality received.

In cases where it could be perceived there was little or no benefit to the city of Liverpool, he asked officials to make an equivalent donation to the Lord Mayor's charity.

Chief executive Colin Hilton donated pounds 1,000, regeneration director John Kelly pounds 100, education boss Stuart Smith pounds 32, and assistant children's director Sandra Campbell pounds 50.

Mr Hilton said: "I hope people will recognise one aspect of my role is to represent the city and council at various functions.

"I am sensitive to the public's perception some entertainment events could represent a 'perk', albeit not at the expense of council taxpayers.

"This may lead to unfounded suggestions I accepted such invitations for the event itself rather than to discharge my official duties.

"Accordingly, while not required to do so, I have decided, in order to uphold my integrity in the public eye and dismiss any suggestion of monetary benefit, to make a voluntary donation of pounds 1,000 to the Lord Mayor's charity."

Mr Smith donated pounds 32 after giving one of the tickets he received to last season's derby match at Everton FC to his son.

Ms Campbell made her donation after receiving two tickets to the John Lennon songbook performance at the Philharmonic Hall last year.

But opposition leader Joe Anderson called for an independent inquiry, saying it was not acceptable for officials to investigate themselves.

Staff had hotel nights paid for by outside firms and agencies, tickets to the Grand National, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, and to the theatre and gigs, and meals at top restaurants.

Cllr Anderson said: "There should be no hint of financial wrong doing or personal gain at the council.

"On this basis, we believe an independent inquiry should be held to look at hospitality given to officers of the council.

"The suggestion payments to the Lord Mayor's charity should be made by officers only serves to undermine the seriousness of the situation."

CAPTION(S):

Mon Mome wins the Grand National, one of the events at which council officials received hospitality Colin Hilton