Councillors cost region over £1million

THE salary bill for Dumfries and Galloway’s 43 councillors last year came to just over £1 million. And on top of that they claimed £46,248 in expenses too, down on the previous year. As set out in the Local Governance (Scotland) Act, in 2024-5 each elected member got an annual salary of £21,436, rising to £26,785 if they were a senior councillor with committee responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the leader was paid £42,844, while the depute leader was on £32,133. They are all entitled to claim mileage and in 2024-5 that totalled £41,036, with the biggest mileage claims coming from Mid and Upper Nithsdale’s Tony Berretti; and Stranraer and the Rhins’ Ben Dashper on £5190 and £4864 respectively. However, 18 councillors had no mileage expenses. The council covered the £2247 telephone and ICT expenses too; and accommodation costs came to £686. According to their own website, Dumfries and Galloway is the third largest council area in Scotland. The local authority employs 6475 staff to deliver services to about 148,790 people.