GAMES firms and interior designers are some of the companies local councils have paid money to over the last two years, it has emerged.

Local authorities have been forced by the Government to publish lists of spending and detail all transactions of more than £500.

Oxford City Council said it paid £1,249 to Cait Sweeney Interiors, £3,692 to Remont Hotel, a boutique bed-and-breakfast in Oxford, and £1,214 to the British Toilet Association.

Council deputy leader Ed Turner said the council was happy to subject itself to scrutiny and would provide details of any transaction on request.

He added: “If this exposes any extra waste we will put a stop to it.”

Vale of White Horse District Council’s spending list revealed that £3,900 had been paid to Laser Gaming UK – a paintball and laserquest games provider. The council said it was for activities it provided on school holiday playschemes.

South Oxfordshire District Council has also published its spending of more than £500, but Oxfordshire county and Cherwell and West Oxfordshire district councils are yet to publish.