Thousands spent on provost

Almost £5000 has been spent ferrying South Lanarkshire’s provost around the region to engagements since 2015, new figures have revealed.

A Freedom of Information request was submitted by the Taxpayers’Alliance.

And in the last three years the local authority has paid £2731.60 with maintenance at a cost of £2015.55 to ensure a total bill of £4747.15.

However, Paul Manning – South Lanarkshire Council’s executive director of finance and corporate resources – insists the spend provides“excellent value”.

“The costs associated with maintaining and running the provost’s vehicle are negligible when considering the range of civic duties he attends throughout the year,”he said.

“The provost regularly travels across all 1100 square miles of South Lanarkshire, and sometimes beyond, as the council’s civic figurehead.

“He attends around 170 functions each year, including 100th birthdays and diamond wedding anniversaries as well as events which organisations, charities and businesses invite him to.

“The cost of maintaining and fuelling the vehicle is approximately £1500 a year which we feel is excellent value for the positive message and role the provost plays in representing South Lanarkshire.

He added:“The vehicle is not leased and is owned by the council.”

Neighbouring North Lanarkshire’s spend since 2015 is more than £20,000.