Mayor of Ledbury's expenses could be raised (From Ledbury Reporter)

Ledbury mayor's expenses could be raised

4:34pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

Ledbury Town Councillors have discussed raising the level of expenses that can be claimed back by the town mayor each year.

The current level allowed by the budget is £1,500, but several former mayors believe this is not enough, and that the duties of being mayor are likely to put a councillor out of pocket.

Speaking at last week’s finance and general purposes committee, in the Market House, Coun Clive Jupp said: “It was £1,500 when I was mayor, and I certainly overspent that.”

Former town mayor, Coun Keith Francis said: “The cost of living is going up and that is not indicated by the level of expenses that may be claimed.”

He also pointed out that Ledbury’s mayors are now travelling further afield on official duties.

Last year’s mayor Allen Conway said: “I spent more than my allowance, but not everyone is in a position to use their own finances.”

Current mayor Phill Bettington, said he was not claiming expenses for every official duty he attended.