Dear Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council,

I wish to formally request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act in regards to subsistence allowances for employees of the Council. For the purpose of this request, I refer to direct employees only and not Councillors.

I would be grateful if you could confirm the following information:

1. The maximum nightly allowance payable for accommodation in a hotel or other lodging for employees working away from home or their official place of duty. Should the Council have different rates (one rate for London and a lower rate for outside of London, for example), please provide details of these

2. Whether the allowable rates for accommodation have increased in the last three financial years

3. The subsistence allowances for employees requiring meals whilst away from their home or official place of duty. Where several rates exist to cover different meal times, please provide a breakdown of these

4. Whether the subsistence rates for meals have increased in the last three financial years

5. Whether you have, either as general policy or at Management discretion, an actual expenses policy whereby, in exceptional circumstances where the expenses incurred exceed the standard allowable rates, the actual expenses may be reimbursed

Unless otherwise stated, please provide all figures as at April 1st 2012.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Bain