Politicians in Edinburgh are at the centre of another expenses shock - the amount claimed by city councillors has actually gone down. Well done Edinburgh council.
In stark contrast to the claims at Westminster, the annual table reveals local politicians claimed £39,958 for travel, food and other expenses in 2008-09 - nearly half the total of 3 years ago. The fall in expenses has been credited to a greater diligence by councillors when deciding what to claim though senior politicians have admitted a series of media investigations has also made councillors more wary of making rogue claims.
Latest salary details also reveal that city leader Kenny Dawe took home an income of £47,516 last year. This is up £5,000 from the previous year but the 2007-08 figures included one month's salary where she was not in charge of the council, as the elections were held in May 2007.
The latest expenses details come as councillors are expected to approve moves to publish a breakdown of their claims for the first time. The system will be similar to that used by the Scottish Parliament and details will be published quarterly on the council website.
Source: Edinburgh Evening News
Update: I've changed the photograph as one of my readers kindly pointed out the initial one was out of date. That building had been demolished and was now flats. Apologies to Edinburghers for my ignorance. Third time lucky - correct photo now.
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18 comments:
SR,
Hopefully this will lead to more transparency right across Councils within Scotland.
About time too!
CD
That looks like the old LRC building on George IVth Bridge/Lawnmarket. Cawed down quite a while ago and replaced with flats.
Best thing that ever happened to it.
That's one of the reasons I posted it CD, in the hope that folk take more interest in their own councillor's expenses.
Oh Jim, it was the only photae I could find as I've no idea what the council buildings look like. I'll look for another one.
Thanks for letting me know.
Google Edinburgh City Chambers m'dear. Loads of pictures.
J x
I didn't see many when I was looking in the middle of the night Jim :)
Is that one right?
That's the place now, yes. Many a time I've chucked empty beer tins at it in passing. Empty ones, though. Not daft.
Simple reason, Labour are not in control of the council so of course the expenses bill would go down.
The council is far from perfect but at least they are making some real changes in Edinburgh and the city does have a bigger buzz about it.
The first building which is still showing on my blog has indeed been pulled down. It was used for a time by MSP,s whrn the parly was in the church of Scotland building.
The secon building is the old council chamber on the High street, hmm 3rd time lucky eh ?
http://www.penicuiksilverband.com/Event%20Photos/CEC%20WC.jpg
lol, sorry to be predantic..
AMW,
Is it? Oh dear. I've been too long in the West. Well, it's still symbolic that's what I say. They still hold the Remembrance Sunday service there.
Oh Jim, thank goodness Edinburgh isn't in line for high tech bus shelters then if you're such a vandal :)
Auch Spook yer a wee darling, but you know that don't you. Thanks xx
It's a good story:-). Lib Dem Leader of Council is Jenny Dawe, though.
She earns a nice packet for her troubles though Caron ;)
Why is Scottish architecture so crap these days?
scunnert,
I was thinking that. Fancy leaving the City Chambers for that. These people must have no souls.
Amazing how a credible election system focuses the mind...
It is indeed Mek lol, my thoughts exactly. But they're trying, no doubt about it.
There are good architects here scunnert, but our great and good want the 'international' look. All part of the New World Order so as we don't know where we are from Milan to Dundee. Although Dundee will take quite a bit of work to bring it up to any stereotype - thank goodness.
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