SARA BOLTON

Councillor Sara Bolton claimed more than £2,000 in travel expenses during 2005 and was the highest claimant of the city's 51 councillors during the year, with about a quarter of all travel claims coming from her. She said the figures showed she was among the busiest and most hard-working councillors and she was entitled to make all of the claims. Among the claims from Ms Bolton were £486.46 for a total of 67 journeys for travel between her Littleover home and the Chaddesden ward she represents. In total, the 4,545 miles she travelled cost Derby City Council £2,064.20.

Ms Bolton was also the highest claimant for the financial years ending March 2004, (claiming £1,794.59 ) and March 2005, (£1,741.18). No other councillor claimed even half as much in either year. Ms Bolton said, "I am a very hard-working councillor. I only claim what I'm eligible to claim. It shows how much work I can do in a week. It shows I do my job properly. I'm a high-profile cabinet member and I do lots of work in my ward." All councillors are entitled to a basic allowance of £9,111 per year. Members with special responsibilities, such as group leaders or cabinet members, get extra cash. (Source: Derby Evening Telegraph, Feb/06)