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Gov't Conference costs taxpayer £38,000

Marketing, food and venue hire among the expenses

A two-day event for the public to hear about and give feedback on government policies cost the taxpayer more than £38,000.

The Government Conference, which took place at the Villa Marina in September, was attended by more than 1,000 people.

A Freedom of Information request from Manx Radio revealed a breakdown of the costs, including marketing expenses, food costs and venue hire.

£6,843.70 was spent on marketing and promotional materials for the event, with a further £10,671 on general marketing.

After marketing, technology was the biggest expense, costing £10,430, while £1,120 went on a future energy video.

Food and drink for the conference cost £8,679.65, but a sponsor covered £6,600 of that total.

In total, £31,144.35 worth of external costs was accrued.

There was also one internal cost, with government being charged £6,880 to hire the Villa Marina - which is run by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

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