Taxpayers in the Basildon district forked out £133,455 to pay their councillors last year, it has been revealed.

However councillors in Basildon are much cheaper than other parts of the county. Between April 1 2002 and March 31 2003 they claimed an average of £3,177.

But councillors at Harlow - the council in Essex most similar to Basildon - get a basic allowance of £3,300. And with special allowances and expenses, they can claim thousands a year more than their Basildon counterparts.

Tony Ball, Basildon Council's deputy leader, said: "We are always mindful of keeping the expenses down, particularly because of the council tax burden, much of which is beyond our control.

"Councillors do a lot and put in a lot of hours. And those with special responsibilities, like portfolio holders, have to put in even more time and have to put their career in second place.

"No councillor should be left out of pocket, but at the same time they should not be making a living from it. It should be a community service."

The highest claim was by council leader Malcolm Buckley, who was given £8,675. However he did not claim anything for food or travel.

Had he been the leader of Harlow he would have been given an extra £754, while deputy leader Tony Ball got £6740, £803 less than a Harlow deputy leader would get before they even claimed expenses.

Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003

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