Expenses policy: Claiming for Christmas events

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…As the festive break draws nearer, our minds turn to our families, mince pies, and perhaps a bit of over indulgence.  

Many departments across the University will be planning their Christmas lunch together, so here’s some helpful information when paying and claiming for your festive feast.  

Expenses Policy: claiming for Christmas events

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The cost of annual events such as Christmas parties can be reimbursed and are not taxable for staff if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The event is open to the whole School or Planning Unit (even if staff are spread across different locations), as long as the opportunity to attend a party or event is available generally to ALL University of Edinburgh staff members based at a particular location. 
2. The event is annual (i.e. those which happen once a year on a recurring basis), such as a Christmas party or Summer BBQ.
3. The event is approved by the School or Planning Unit budget holder.
4. The total cost of all such annual events in any one tax year does not exceed £150 per head

Please contact First.Finance@ed.ac.uk if you are unsure about any of the above, or would like further information.