Party ban as Chinese told to spend less

PARTIES for events like birthdays, new homes and job promotions have been banned in a Chinese county as part of a government drive to be more frugal.

A ban on cash gifts of more than £22 at funerals and weddings in Funing is also in place – though the rules are only for communist party members, civil servants and village organisation leaders.

Giving cash at parties is a Chinese custom, but has been used to bribe influential hosts.

Public servants in the Yunnan Province county must also give wedding details such as costs to local government.