More than £8,500 has been spent on refreshments for city council meetings in the last two years.
Figures obtained through a freedom of information request by the Echo show that a total of £8,720.50 has been spent on buffet food, wine and soft drinks by Exeter City Council since the 2010/11 financial year.
The figure relates to refreshments provided at Mayoral and Civic events for events such as visiting dignitaries, visitors from twin towns and receptions for military visitors.
The total spent on refreshments has decreased since 2010/2011 when they spent a total of £5,413.50 to 2011/12 when £3,307 was spent.
A representative of Exeter City Council said:
"Due to the Council's ever increasing financial pressures, we now only employ caterers for the larger civic events, undertaking many of the smaller events ourselves, so hence the reduction in expenditure between the years."
As well as the total money spent, the council released information on what brands of refreshments are purchased. These include GM Vinters for wine and Sainsbury's for food where "Fair Trade Sainsbury's own brand is used wherever possible."
Figures are not yet available for the last financial year.
