THE total claimed by all 72 Cheshire West and Chester councillors was £1,183, 325 – an increase of almost £680,000 – but the sudden jump is because the council was operating as a shadow authority until April 1, 2009.
The councillors’ basic allowance has gone up from £4,387 to £11,457.96 now the authority is a fully-fledged council amounting to £825,000.
Members received almost £293,000 for extra responsibilities plus £42,677 for travel expenses.
Tory council leader Mike Jones (Broxton) made the largest claim of £42,363 – a rise of £13,026. Major components were his basic allowance plus a responsibility allowance for extra roles totalling £28,644.
Council spokesman Ian Callister said: “Councillors’ allowances and expenses are set byŠ the independentŠ Remuneration Panel which has recommended that there should be no increase forŠ the year 2010-11.
“Allowances are paid to members in recognition of responsibilities and work undertaken during the course of their duties for the council and its taxpayers.
“Special responsibility allowances are paid to the leader of the council, members of the executive and leader of the opposition and, like members’ allowances, are judged against those paid by like organisations.
“Allowances for councillors with special responsibilities for a £700m organisation, employing 12,000 people, compare unfavourably to those paid for similar roles in the private sector.
“Expenses are, of course, solely intended to reimburse members forŠ money spent on travel and subsistence whilst working for the authority.”
Second highest claimer at £28,731 was Neil Ritchie, former council deputy chairman and environment portfolio holder.
