County councillors claimed more than £1.9m in expenses and allowances last year - an increase of £195,951 on the previous year - according to a report published today.

Councillors controversially voted for a 15% increase in their allowances last year, ignoring a recommendation from an independent panel that they should only increase by 1.5%.

The figure for this year of £1,940,929 is a 10% rise and contrasts with the £1,744,978 bill for 2016-17.

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According to the report, the county council's members claimed £1,174,921 in basic allowances - an average of £14,505.

All elected councillors are entitled to £13,000 but the overall figure includes payments made to councillors who lost their seats in the May election.

The council has 81 members.

A further £652,643 was paid in special responsibility allowances, which include payments to cabinet members and others such as the leader of the council, opposition party leaders and committee chairmen.

Under the 15% increase, members of the Conservative-run cabinet - the key decision making body - saw their allowance rise to £30,792.

The £1,940,929 total also included £103,697 for car mileage claims.

Speaking at the time the increase was approved last year, KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter, who received £47,831 as leader under the scheme, said: "Seven years ago we reduced special allowances.

"We have increased staff pay by 18%. I do not think the increase is any way unreasonable.”

There was a decrease in the costs of running the county council’s car service.

That fell to £26,980, compared to £35,749 in 2016/17.

According to the report, members claimed in total £7,552 for public transport.