Staff leaving employment - Parish Council

Question

Good Evening

We would like to purchase a small gift for an employee who is leaving our employment  -  can we do this from Parish Funds

Thanks in Advance

Answer 1

I would say that the simplest and safest answer is no not from parish funds as these are required to be authorised and accounted for. Much simpler to have a traditional "whip round" with people giving freely of their own money towards a gift.

Answer 2

Legally yes but morally no. It could be seen as a misuse of public funds. When I left a principal authority, people contributed to my whip round from their own pockets, as did I for some of those who left before me.

Answer 3

I doubt it is legal unless the Council has a General Power of Competence.

Answer 4

Erm, don't do it.  If the councillors valued the employees contribution, get them to dig into their own pockets rather than at taxpayers expense.

Comments

We do, but we have very new councillors and only one that is left on council when she became our crossing patrol officer.   The parishioners are expecting us to do 'something'
Thanks

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How many parishioners are expecting you to do 'something'?  Just because a few have suggested what is a lovely idea, doesn't indicate that it has support parish-wide.  If the councillors are not prepared to chip in, then create a certificate of appreciation instead...