Councillors urged not to claim back parking expenses when charges return.

Politician calls on members to follow his lead when fees are reintroduced

Councillors are being urged not to claim back parking expenses when the charges are reintroduced to Angus later this year.

Under Angus Council’s expenses rules, councillors are allowed to reclaim parking costs incurred while carrying out official duties.

For the purposes of calculating claims, a councillor’s home is regarded as their place of work, meaning they can claw back expenses associated with travelling to conduct council business – including attending meetings.

Forfar and district councillor Braden Davy said members of the public would find it “galling” if they learned councillors were getting their parking costs paid for them when they did not have that option.

He has pledged he won’t be claiming the expense and is urging other elected members to follow his lead.

Mr Davy said: “People won’t be able to claim back their parking costs when they are going to work, so why should we?

“I think they would find it particularly galling if councillors, who voted to introduce these charges, are protected from their impact.

“We all need to play our part in helping deal with the huge cuts Angus Council is facing.”

He said he was aware that some other councillors shared his view and would not be claiming either.

The council agreed earlier this month to introduce off-street parking charges of £1 an hour up to a maximum of £4 a day, with an annual permit available for £260.

Mr Davy said the policy meant councillors could potentially claim back thousands of pounds a year for the new charges.

“I would urge all councillors to think very carefully about claiming parking,” he added. “It simply can’t be right we ask members of the public to pay, but aren’t willing to ourselves.

“The public have a right to know what councillors claim in expenses and what they are for. Councillors should justify them.

“I have claimed no expenses since being elected and when it comes to parking I will continue to follow this rule.”

Councillors will have to keep receipts of their parking charges if they wish to make a claim.

While parking charges can be claimed back, parking fines or tow-away costs will not be reimbursed under the rules.