My Councillor Expenses for 2008/9

Many have asked about the expenses that I have claimed as an East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor. I receive a basic councillor allowance of £10,574.00 plus an additional allowance of £8,472.01 as Chairman of the Goole and Howdenshire Local Action Team.

Most weeks I work more than 40 hours in my role as an East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor.

I am able to reclaim expenses to cover the cost of travel when on council business and also food or subsistence. I am also entitled to an IT allowance to purchase computer equipment over the 4-year term of office, and an annual IT maintenance allowance.

I represent one of the largest wards geographically in the East Riding that stretches to 15 Parishes. As Chair of the Goole and Howdenshire Local Action Team I cover an additional area including places as far south as Adlingfleet, and west to Snaith and Gowdall. During 08/09 I have driven almost 6,000 miles as a Councillor, many of which have been to evening meetings, in addition to the day time meetings at County Hall, and site visits as part of my role as a member of the planning committee.

In the year 08/09 I have claimed and received total of £2,992.71 (which is subject to tax) relating to travel on council business, for which detailed claim forms and receipts were submitted.

I have claimed no expenses for food or subsistence whatsoever, as I would not ask the taxpayer to feed me.

I have been paid £142:00 IT maintenance allowance.

As a further measure of the work as a Councillor, I have received 6,853 emails and sent 2,737 from my personal Councillor email address since being elected in May 2007.