Political trips off-island this term cost £156,000
TRAVEL expenses for politicians and States officials have so far cost taxpayers at least £156,000 this political term, latest figures have shown.
Eighteen States departments, committees and groups have so far released expenditure for off-
island trips between May 2012 and the end of last year, which include trips to Bermuda, China, across Europe and the UK.
The largest expenses came from the External Relations Group, which totalled £91,031.
The hotels it used include nine visits to the four-star Hilton Hotel in Gatwick and two trips to the four-star Park Plaza Victoria Hotel.
The ERG and other States departments, such as Treasury and Resources, have also used other cheaper accommodation,
including Premier Inn stays.
Another one of the more expensive political trips was incurred by Culture and Leisure when minister Mike O'Hara, pictured, visited the 2013 Island Games in Bermuda.
This cost £3,483, but Deputy O'Hara contributed £1,500 of his own money towards the accommodation.
