Home / Business and Economy / Welsh Officials' Lavish Gifts: Rugby Tickets to Champagne!
Welsh Officials' Lavish Gifts: Rugby Tickets to Champagne!
22 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Welsh government employees received rugby tickets, champagne, and a robotic dog.
- Gifts accepted by civil servants included hospitality valued at over £900.
- The register of gifts was obtained by BBC Wales through a Freedom of Information request.
A review of gifts accepted by Welsh government employees has revealed a variety of perks, ranging from high-value rugby international tickets to a robotic dog. The register, covering the past five years, was obtained by BBC Wales under the Freedom of Information Act, highlighting items such as bouquets of flowers, bottles of champagne, and food hampers. These accepted gifts underscore the need for transparency and adherence to guidelines aimed at preventing conflicts of interest.
The accepted hospitality also includes significant travel expenses. One official received accommodation, flights, and travel totaling €1,128 (approximately £991) to attend a conference in Madrid. Another official accepted hospitality, an overnight stay, and travel valued around £500 to speak at a leadership forum. These instances point to the types of benefits employees may receive while undertaking official duties.
