Perth and Kinross councillors claimed for over £75,000 in expenses last year, new figures have revealed.
Data published on the council website also shows the 40 councillors cost the taxpayer £837,858 in total between their expenses and salary.
Unsurprisingly, Provost Dennis Melloy was top of the expenses table with £18,951.50 claimed for.
The vast bulk of this was car and van milage, which accounted for £18,491 of the total.
Council leader Murray Lyle had the next highest claim, coming in at £5899.33. He was followed by Angus Forbes, convener of the environment and infrastructure committee, who claimed for £4117.03.
The highest claim from a member without additional responsibilities on committees was Mike Williamson, who claimed for £4453.13.
In fact, the top three claims out with those with additional responsibilities came from the three members for the huge Highland ward, Cllr Williamson, along with Xander McDade (£3786.72) and John Duff (£3536.23).
The lowest claims were from Callum Purves and Colin Stewart, who both claimed for nothing.
Councillor Purves told the PA: “I see being a councillor as more of a vocation than a profession.
“I do think it is important that there is the provision for some expenses as we certainly do not want to get back to the position where only wealthy landowners can be elected to public office, but councillors should aim to keep their burden on the taxpayer to an absolute minimum.
“Therefore I do not claim any expenses.”
The overall figure was around £2000 lower than the total in 2017/18.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council: “Perth and Kinross Council has robust procedures and guidance in place regarding elected members’ expenses which are in line with national legislation and guidelines, including the councillors’ code of conduct, HMRC regulations, and Scottish Government guidance.
“Councillors receive information and advice upon their induction to the council, and senior officers are always available to assist with any queries individual elected members may have.”
