Thousands spent on celebs for council events « Express & Star

The cost of celebrity appearances at council-run events in the Midlands can be revealed today – with some stars taking home several thousands pounds for a few hours’ work.

Cash-strapped local authorities have been splashing out on special guests appearing at awards ceremonies, conferences and fun days in recent years.

One of the biggest payouts was to weatherman Bill Giles, who earned £5,000 from Walsall Council for speaking at a climate change conference.