Even with the economy collapsing around us and the public sector facing extensive budget cuts the lucky legal folk at the Ministry of Justice are unlikely to suffer a major downsizing of their Christmas celebrations. Don’t worry, it’s not that your hard earned taxes are going to be spent on a huge Christmas do to keep up morale.

According to Jack Straw, in a recent parliamentary answer, the Justice Secretary, hosted the last official Christmas party in 2007, which was attended by 50 officials. A big spend you might think? Well not quite…

Maybe they had already seen the writing on the wall or maybe they were still trying a last ditch attempt to keep to Gordon’s fiscal rules but it was requested that each provide his or her own drinks. “A minimal amount was spent on the provision of refreshments, the total cost of which did not exceed £50.” according to minister Maria Eagle in the Commons.

Wow, not sure it affects the public finances much but we ought to thank them for the effort.