York taxpayers to cough up £8235

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that the “Fairness Conference”, held earlier in the summer, cost £18,235 of which £10,000 was paid by Joseph Rowntrees Foundation.

The figures do not include “help in kind” contributions with the University providing free accommodation and an evening “reception”.

Speakers were not paid a fee but claimed £820 for air tickets, £303 for taxis, £361 for train tickets and £736 for accommodation.

The conference was criticised for unnecessary costs and lack of political balance in the line up of speakers (who were overwhelmingly Labour spokespeople).

Some suggested that the cost of the event might more usefully have been spent on the direct relief of poverty.

Full details of the expenses incurred can be found by clicking here