Find out how much your county councillors are claiming in expenses

County councillors claimed nearly £2million in combined expenses and allowances last year [2017-18].

Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge representatives played their part, as some of the authority’s 81 members claimed entitlements of up to £64,000.

Their collective claim of £1.94million was the highest ever and comes a year after they voted to raise their basic allowance by 15 per cent.

Fares

All councillors claimed a basic allowance of £13,000 to perform duties, which include preparing for and attending meetings as well as dealing with enquiries.

For 2018-19 this basic allowance will rise to £14,725. Councillors are also allowed to claim for some car miles and taxi fares.

Cabinet members, and some councillors with responsibility, are entitled to an additional sum – which for 2017-18 was at least £30,792.

As Council Leader, Cllr Paul Carter received a special responsibility allowance of £47,831. When this is added to what he claimed back, the Conservative saw a combined claim of £64,018.

He said: ‘We did agree to an increase last year and the figures reflect that. From now, our allowances will go up as staff pay and that is sensible.’

Cllr Peter Oakford, who represents Tunbridge Wells North, and Richard Long, Tonbridge, had the highest claims locally [see panel].

Kent County Council is dominated by the Conservative Party, who have 67 out of 81 seats.

MONEY TALKS County Hall in Maidstone

[Breakout] How much did my councillor claim?