£12k of expenses claimed

East Renfrewshire councillors racked up more than £12,000 in expenses claims last year.

Reimbursements were given to existing and former elected members for meals, training and travel.

The largest amount, £2880, was attributed to Provost Jim Fletcher, although £2609 was for use of the civic car, which was paid for directly by the local authority to BMW.

Council leader Tony Buchanan claimed £ 1553 while Conservative Barbara Grant got back £2131, with both councillors having been reimbursed £ 996 for two COSLA conferences dating back to 2016.

Alan Lafferty, the convener for environment was the only other councillor to claim back more than £1000, with £ 498 paid for training and conferences and £ 530 for telephone and ICT expenses.

Barbara Grant said: “There were two COSLA conferences that I attended.

“It’s not just one day, it’s two nights. One of those conferences took place in the previous year but they didn’t have it included in that year’s expenses.

“COSL A ha s four representatives on the committee and I’m the Conservative member.

“When we go to these conferences, it is seen as part of our duty, so we are not paid extra for attending. We are paid expenses.”

The total amount of expenses listed came to £12,175.

Although attributed to members, East Renfrewshire Council paid companies directly for mobile phones, broadband, taxi costs and attendance at civic functions.

That meant the elected members didn’t receive any cash back for these expenses.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “Councillors are entitled to claim for expenses incurred whilst carrying out official duties as part of their role.

“This can relate to fares for use of public transport, mileage, and other expenses as part of training or conferences.

“A mobile phone and broadband facilities are also provided, as required, to allow councillors to meet the needs of their constituents.”