by political editor Paul Francis

More than £20,000 was claimed in expenses by members of the Kent Police Authority last year, according to figures released today.

The figures show the amount claimed by the members of the 17-strong authority for 2008-2009 came in at £20,595 - compared to the £17,274 claimed in 2007-2008.

The expenses claimed are in addition to the various allowances members are entitled to receive for their work, which is £9,000 for every member; £20,000 for the chairman Ann Barnes and £10,000 for the vice-chairman, who is Kent county councillor Mike Hill.

Authority chief executive Mark Gilmartin said: "This is about being open and honest with police council taxpayers. All expenses were incurred for work purposes and on average around £17,000 has been spent each year since April 2003. We have a robust signing-off process and any expenses have to be legitimate, with proof of a receipt."

He added: "There has to be a degree of transparency with public money and we have nothing to hide. We operate the same expenses policy for our employees. It’s only fair we reimburse members for the costs they have incurred carrying out duties."

The police authority is made up of 17 members – nine elected councillors and eight members of the public. It holds Kent Police to account, monitoring performance and appointing senior officers. It also sets the budget for Kent Police, which is £277million.

Member expenses cover a range of items including transport and reimbursements for own vehicle use, paid at the HM Revenue and Customs mileage rate.

The expenses data released shows authority chairman Ann Barnes claimed £4,469, including £3,342 for mileage and £239.81 for meals in 2008-09.

Full details of all expenses claims are available at http://www.kentpa.kent.police.uk/