by political editor Paul Francis

County councillors received more than £1.8million in allowances and expenses last year, figures published by Kent County Council today show.

Total claims by 89 councillors amounted to £1,855,590 in 2010-2011 - representing an increase of some £42,000 more than the previous year.

Councillors recently voted to take a pay cut of 1.5 per cent on their basic allowance of £13,000 in a move that will save the taxpayer £16,400 but these figures predate that decision.

Of the £1.85m, the largest amount was paid for the basic allowance that all members are entitled to claim.

The second largest sum was paid to those with special responsibilities, such as members of the Conservative-run cabinet - the key decision-making body - and chairmen of various committees.

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Between them, cabinet members claimed £280,000 over the period - some £55,670 more than the previous year.

Seven claimed the maximum sum of £28,794 while others who served shorter periods as cabinet members received sums ranging from £23,000 to £25,000.

County council leader Paul Carter (Con) received £59,283 - made up of £13,000 in basic allowance and £44,300 as leader.

Opposition Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Trudy Dean claimed a total of £26,970 in allowances and expenses.

Councillors also received £121,117 in mileage and drove to and from County Hall and other meetings enough times to take them around the world a dozen times.

In contrast, they claimed a much more modest £6,119 in fares for trains and buses - even less than last year with nearly half of all councillors relying exclusively on their cars to get about on official council business.

The authority’s most committed user of public transport was once again Cllr Graham Gibbens, cabinet member for adult social care. He claimed £1,625 in fares and £2,268 in mileage.

How much did your county councillor claim? Find out here:http://bit.ly/miEhw9