Leicester City Council clarifies nearly £9,000 spent on takeaways and food deliveries between April 2023 and March 2024.
The council faces money problems. Education and Children’s Services spent the most, purchasing food worth £3,658. They spent £152 at a Wetherspoons pub for a “Religious Celebration,” according to records.
The council says it was for children in care and some spending was for funded projects. They also said some data was “mis-coded” on their Open Data system.
Staff use procurement cards for work costs. These cards are like company credit cards, paying for goods and services. Transactions are watched closely, and cardholders must explain each expense.
Some big purchases used outside funding. One was £666 for Eggfree Cake Box for families at a hub launch. It used government money, not local taxes.
The city cares for about 600 kids. Expenses included children’s homes support. The £152 Wetherspoons bill was for a birthday for a disabled child.
City Development spent £2,235 total. They paid £644 at Burnham Chippy, feeding taxi inspectors. There was also £300 for Herb restaurant, helping Leicester’s vegan food scene.
A council speaker said most spending helps kids in children’s homes. These run like normal homes, and shopping and activities get a small budget.
The speaker said some spending was “mis-coded” and apologized for the error. Partners and the government funded some costs, not council funds.