Office Holders

2.2.8. Gifts

The Government Guidelines for Office Holders published pursuant to Section 15(4) of the 1995 Act and the Guidelines for Office Holders, in relation to the acceptance of gifts by office holders, produced by the Standards Commission provide a framework in relation to the acceptance of gifts. A copy is contained at Appendix 3 to the Guidelines for Office Holders (as attached in the Appendix to this Code).

Additionally, office holders should not accept offers to meet the costs of travel facilities and/or commercial accommodation in connection with official activities (including of a spouse/partner if so accompanied), where such offers are made by private citizens or private enterprises. Discretion may be used where an office holder is the official guest of another Government or official body, or of a not for profit representative organisation or the like.

Office holders should be particularly sensitive of acceptance of gifts or hospitality from friends, or connected persons, as defined in the 1995 Act, where such persons have, or are likely to obtain, a benefit or suffer a loss arising from a decision made, or to be made, by an office holder or by the Government, of which the office holder is aware.

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