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Research by the TaxPayers’ Alliance has revealed how much local councils have spent on award ceremonies in the last financial year.

The money went towards tickets, accommodation, travel and catering for events such as the Loo of the Year and the Magic Of Motown.

Of all the Councils in the UK,  Glasgow City Council spent the most hosting and attending award ceremonies, totalling almost £83,000.

Other biggest spenders in Scotland were Perth and Kinross Council, which forked out £41,260, Fife Council (£20,047), and Falkirk Council (£8,977.09).

Dumfries and Galloway Council paid out £9,386, including £9,070 for the Big Thank You event arranged by its social work services.

Ruth Davidson, Scottish Conservative Local Government Spokesperson, said:

“Good work can and should be  recognised, but I am appalled to see so much public money being spent by Glasgow  City Council and others on award ceremonies. Thousands of pounds, coming  directly from the wages of taxpayers, are being used to host events treated as junkets by councillors and others.

“You can bet your bottom dollar the attendance level would drop dramatically if they weren’t being subsidised by ordinary Scots. The million pounds being paid for canapés and medals would be better spent on public services.”

TaxPayers’ Alliance boss Matthew Sinclair said: “Taxpayers will be staggered that councils facing financial pressure are spending thousands on back-patting ceremonies.”