Using a Petty Cash Float
1. Request cash from float holder
Cash requests to your float holder should follow local procedures, e.g. email, paper form, etc.
The maximum amount that can be given to an individual
for one
transaction is normally £30 or 20% of the total float (whichever is the
smaller). See appendix 3 of the Payments Manual for further information.
Where a request exceeds the limit above, or is for an item not allowable under the petty cash expenditure guidelines, then other methods of purchase should be investigated and the float holder will refuse the request for petty cash.
Petty cash should never be used for items such as staff parties/entertainment and gifts. (This also applies to departments with access to Imprest bank accounts.)
2. Receipts and recording transactions
Individuals may either request petty cash before making their purchase (an advance) or may use their own money and reclaim the amount spent.
Advances
An advance-receipt should be signed when float is issued.
After the purchase has been made you should return the change and
purchase
receipt to the float holder.
Reclaiming personal spend
The purchase receipt should be exchanged for money from the
float and a petty cash slip signed to confirm expenditure.
Note: Items purchased
using a credit card cannot be reimbursed via petty cash. Instead, an Expenses Claim Form 
(385kb) should be submitted to the Payments Team.
All expenditure of petty cash must be noted in a petty cash book detailing the value, nature of transaction, and individual using the petty cash.