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Update: I've changed the photograph as one of my readers kindly pointed out the initial one was out of date.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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