LIB DEMS PLAN FOR TRANSPARENT COUNCILLOR EXPENSES

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th May 2009

In light of the recent scandal over MPs expenses, the controlling Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council are proposing for councillors expenses to become more transparent and open to public scrutiny. Cllr Paul Scriven, the Liberal Democrat Leader of Sheffield City Council, said "I'm sure that local people will be glad to know that under the system for councillors there isn't the ability to claim for dog food, duck ponds or the cleaning of moats. However, it's still vital that we are as transparent and open as possible when it comes to the use of public money."

At the moment Councillors expenses are published on an annual basis, usually around six months after the end of the financial year. However, at the 3rd June full Council meeting, the Lib Dems are set to propose that expenses are published on the web every month.

In addition Lib Dems will ask that councillor's declarations of interest, financial and other interests that could potentially conflict with their role as a local councillor are published too.

Paul added "Like everyone else I was appalled to see some of the examples of how MPs have been taking advantage of the expenses system. It's no wonder that public confidence in all politicians is at an all time low."

Unlike MPs councillors only claim expenses for travel costs and, when out of Sheffield on official Council business, accommodation and food. In addition councillors can claim for dependant carers allowance for cost of things like childcare whilst on Council business.

Paul added "If our plans are accepted at the Council meeting then all councillors expenses will be published on a monthly basis along with declarations of interest. This will allow greater scrutiny and will lead to a more transparent system. I hope that councillors of all political persuasions will back our proposals."