Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the cost to the public purse was of the reception held for trade unions and other stakeholders in her Department on 11 July 2024; what (a) food and (b) alcohol was provided; and who attended.

This event was held to enable my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education to outline the new government’s priorities for education and social care to a wide range of delivery partners and stakeholders. This acknowledges the key role played by stakeholders across education, business and civil society in working with government to break the link between a child’s background and their future success.

269 stakeholders were invited to this event representing all areas of the department’s work, including businesses, school staff, charities and education experts.

The event was modest in style and format for an event of this size. Delivered in the department using existing suppliers, the total cost of the event was £7,625. This included event production costs and catering. A standard low-cost catering option was provided, including light refreshments, wine, orange juice and water.