Auditors uncover good, bad and ugly in govt spending

Report: Public expenses drop amid frugality drive, but problems remain

The central government's expenses on vehicles, receptions, overseas trips and conferences dropped by 22.93 percent in 2013, the result of an aggressive frugality campaign, an audit report released on Tuesday said.

The National Audit Office reviewed the expenses of 38 central government departments and 389 affiliated agencies last year. It found that 154.238 billion yuan ($24.76 billion) was spent on vehicles, receptions and overseas trips - also known as the "three expenses" - as well as on conferences.