Hospitality and entertaining expenses: claimant guide

The University will reimburse the provision of food, drink or other hospitality incurred in furthering University business. 

Claimable

Costs of refreshments and entertaining should be, and be seen to be, reasonable, in line with the value for money principle and should not create a personal benefit. Government and some funders view hospitality and entertainment as a personal benefit and therefore will not refund the costs. Wherever possible seek guidance from your department before incurring costs.

Types of entertainment

• Business entertainment: costs may be claimed for entertainment that furthers or promotes University business (e.g. dinner for a seminar speaker, examiner lunch, meals with government officials)
• Non-business (social) entertainment: please note that unless certain conditions (regular event, open to all staff with a maximum spend of £150 per person per tax year inclusive of VAT) are met, this is a taxable benefit

Entertainment considerations

When entertaining, you should consider the following:

1. Cost: reasonable and proportionate to the situation?
2. Scale: what would be the public perception of the entertaining?
3. Alcohol: could the alcohol consumed be considered excessive either in price or amount consumed? Would attendees have been affected by the amount of alcohol such that it is unlikely that effective activity (e.g. networking) could be achieved?
    

Refreshments and working meals

Refreshments and working meals should be arranged and purchased through your department wherever possible.

It is reasonable to provide light refreshments (e.g. tea, coffee and biscuits) before, during or after a meeting.

The cost of a working meals can only be claimed if:

• it is integral to the meeting; and
• a copy of the agenda, notes or action points are retained; and
• it takes place in an appropriate location:
  • University staff only: must be taken on University premises
  • University staff and externals: can take place on or off University premises; and
• alcohol is not consumed
   

Making a claim

To make a claim, the following information must be provided:

1. the names of all attendees including staff
2. the organisation of each attendee and staff status (OU staff or non-OU staff)
3. the purpose of the entertainment
4. agenda/ meeting documentation should be attached when claiming working meal
    

What should not be claimed

1. Entertaining for political events
2. Tips in excess of 15%