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 £1,000, regeneration director John Kelly £100, education boss Stuart Smith £32, and assistant children’s director Sandra Campbell £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 £1,000 to the Lord Mayor’s charity.”
