STAFF at the district council have been rapped for accepting inappropriate gifts and hospitality.

A newly-released internal audit of Epping Forest District Council's finances found that some of its workers had received presents from third parties, but said that there was no evidence of any corruption.

A spokesman for the authority said that cases of staff breaking its hospitality code were very rare and that only one member of staff had been disciplined this year for a minor breach, but he was unable to provide further details.

He added: “It is common practice in many areas of business for the exchange of gifts and hospitality.

“However, council officials must be seen to be whiter than white. Strict guidelines are placed on the acceptance of hospitality by Epping Forest District Council staff. For example, we would not be given permission to accept hospitality at a sports event like Wimbledon.

“The value of gifts and hospitality must be proportionate. For example a £10 limit is placed on the value of gifts such as a bottle of wine at Christmas.

“Some members of staff find it simpler to politely decline any gift or hospitality or donate it directly to the Chairman's Charity as a future raffle prize.”

The report said that there had been an improvement in the application of rules over the past year.

But the audit also revealed that the council had failed to prove value for money in the use of taxpayers' cash for hiring consultants.

Auditors said that quotes were generally not being sought, and that there was no evidence that the authority had found the best deal in employing freelance workers.

But a spokesman for the authority claimed that the introduction of new checks and procedures since the contract were awarded proved that value for money had actually been achieved.