THE leader of Ceredigion County Council claimed more than £4,000 in travel expenses last year in addition to her £43,000 salary.

Having inspected the council’s unaudited accounts for the 2016/17 financial year, the Cambrian News can reveal councillors claimed a total of £28,289.70 for 62,866 miles travelled between them last year, with another £400.62 claimed for other expenses including accommodation and food.

The council paid its members a total of £757,200 in wages over the same period.

The leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, who lives in Talybont, 23 miles from the council’s Penmorfa offices in Aberaeron, claimed for 9,205 miles, which amounts to £4,142.25 at the council’s rate of 45 pence per mile.

The Ceulanmaesmawr councillor also claimed £133 in other expenses, which included £84 for bed and breakfast in Cardiff while attending a Wales Audit Office Conference in November, taking her total income from the council to £47,275.25.

Cllr ap Gwynn said: ”As leader of the council, it is my duty to ensure Ceredigion County Council is represented in all national and regional events and meetings where policy making decisions occur. We are a rural authority that has to fight hard for an equal status on a national stage. If I did not make the effort to be present at these events, most policy decisions would be made without Ceredigion’s voice being heard.

“Many other authorities provide a corporate chauffer-driven vehicle for members due to the frequency of meetings and the travelling distances involved. I have avoided this option in an attempt to keep costs to a minimum when performing my official role.

“In addition, I regularly share journeys with other councillors and staff, as well as stay with family at my own expense. From recollection, I have stayed with family on approximately 20 occasions during the year for which accommodation costs have not been reclaimed.”

Twelve councillors made no expense claims, including Cllr Bryan Gareth Davies (Llanarth); former Cllr Aled Davies (Rheidol); Cllr Steve Davies (Penparcau); former Cllr Gethin James (Aberporth); and Cllr Thomas Peter Lloyd Davies (Capel Dewi).

Find out how much your councillor claimed in expenses using our interactive map. Just click on your ward to see their mileage, travel expenses and salary.

The figures for councillors' salaries are unaudited and councillors are entitled to refuse part or all of their salary.

The true figures of what each councillor accepted as a salary will be made public in September.

Read the full story in this week’s Cambrian News, on sale now