A FALL has been recorded in the cash claimed by councillors on South Lakeland District Council.

Last year, £291,430 was paid out to the authority’s 51 councillors and nine different co-optees.

But over the 2013-14 financial year, that figure fell slightly to £280,454, new statistics show.

In total, £279,000 was paid directly to SLDC’s councillors who all claim a basic £3,879.

They can also claim travel and subsistence or for any special responsibilities.

Extra payments are given if the councillor holds a special responsibility, like leader of their political group, a high-ranking role on a committee or are a member of SLDC’s most senior committee, the Cabinet.

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As is usual practice, the highest amount went to the overall Council leader Peter Thornton of the Lib Dems, who claimed £19,812 in total.

This was a basic of £3,879 plus £13,365 as council leader and £2,567 in travel and subsistence expenses.

Coun Thornton, of Longsleddale, represents the Whinfell ward on SLDC and was elected leader in May 2012.

Coun David Williams, leader of the Conservative opposition on SLDC, claimed £6477 in total - consisting of the basic £3879 and £2207 for his special responsibility, along with £390 in travel and subsistence.

Eleven councillors on SLDC claimed only the basic £3879 and did not submit any travel or subsistence claims.

The money paid is subject to deduction of tax and national insurance.

The payments councillors receive is set by the council’s Independent Renumeration Panel made up of members of the public.

Ian Kell, of Mealbank, has been calling on the council to review how it recruits people to the panel. The full council on July 28 will consider a report on the subject.

The 38-members of Tory-run Eden District Council claimed just over £198,000 in allowances and expenses.