GOING THAT EXTRA MILE


Spurred on by their townee cousins in Westminster Scottish Borders Councillors have had their (relatively modest) expenses published-see the story here The biggest earner appears to be mileage claims for official travel-presumably within the Borders. And guess who is the largest claimant in these parts-yes, Big Jim Fullarton (see next para) who is of course rather isolated at home in the wilds of Coldingham. His portfolio includes Roads so no doubt he has to make a point of using them-even the track from Hell -the B6461

(East Berwickshire councillor expenses: Councillor Michael Cook (executive member for economic improvement) - salary £23,550, mileage £3,989, subsistence £10, telephone and ICT £1,276, other expenses £1,417, total = £30,242; Councillor Jim Fullarton (executive member for roads and infrastructure) - salary £20,478, mileage £6,291, telephone and ICT £1,094, other expenses £6, total = £27,869; Councillor David Raw (executive member for social work) - salary £23,550, mileage £5,163, telephone and ICT £1,137, other expenses £5, total = £29,855.
Mid Berwickshire councillor expenses: Councillor Trevor Jones (vice chairman planning and building standards) - salary £15,821, mileage £ 2,548, telephone and ICT £1,028, total = £19,397; Councillor Donald Moffat (chairman of scrutiny) - salary £17,663, mileage £2,868, telephone and ICT £1021, other expenses £351, total = £21,903; Councillor Frances Renton (chairman of Berwickshire Area Committee) - £15,821, mileage £3,680, telephone and ICT expenses £737, other expenses £94, total = £20,332)

But even given his responsibilities a mileage claim of £6,291,-at 40p a mile represents an awful lot of motoring in Borders Country on official business.

It is all official business isn't it?

Labels: Expenses, Scottish Borders Council

  ¶ 10:08 AM