Seven claims of more than £1,000

Outside of the top two expenses claimants, five councillors – including one currently suspended over a sexual assault conviction – were paid more than £1,000 on top of their salaries.

Labour’s Tauqeer Malik, the pensions convener, claimed £3,996 between 2019 and 2020 which was the largest rise of all.

Tory vice-convener of operations Philip Bell claimed £2,825 followed by the disgraced – and currently suspended – Alan Donnelly who was paid £1,771 in expenses.

Donnelly, who was convicted last year of sexual assault at a city function, claimed the money in addition to his £17,510 pay packet.

Lib Dem Steve Delaney and the SNP’s Neil Macgregor’s claims also topped £1,000.

There was around a £5,000 increase yearon-year on spending on the civic car, used to transport the lord provost and visiting dignitaries.

Nearly £20,000 was spent on the leased vehicle, which was replaced last summer.

The black BMW 725 was brought in for the older BMW 730 model – prompting criticism that it wasn’t a more environmentally-friendly one.

Lord Provost Barney Crockett said last night he believed residents supported the use of the luxury car, which cost £19,823 for a year’s use.

“I don’t think there has been any dramatic change in the use of it,” he said. “The lease renewal would have some effect. It’s a crucial part of the city’s history and Aberdonians will want to see it continue.

“The registration plate RG is one of the rarest in the world and I think residents will want a civic car on the road as part of civic pride that we all have.”