Councillors' expenses bill is £337,598

The Ulster Unionist Councillor, who had the role of Ballymena’s First Citizen during 2009-2010, claimed 27,632 during that period, according to a province-wide investigation by the Belfast Telegraph into what local councillors receive.

His top claim included a 4,240 responsibility allowance, a 3,360 payment for DPP membership, 3,960 in travel expenses and 528 in subsistence.

The second highest claim was made by current Mayor, DUP Councillor Maurice Mills. - His total featured 1,854 in travel expenses and also included allowances for DPP membership and special responsibilities.

TUV Councillor James Alexander was next with a claim of 12,808, a total which included 1,720 in travel expenses and a 2,520 DPP allowance.

Fourth highest out of the 24-member group, was Tommy Nicholl of the DUP whose claims totalled 16,476, which included 866 in travel expenses.

Independent member, James Henry claimed the lowest - 9,738.

Just above that total, on 9,940, was United Unionist Coalition Councillor who was jailed for seven years for rape back in June.

According to Council documents, Wilkinson claimed 9,940 during 2009-2010 which included a basic 9,738 allowance and 143 for travel expenses.

Each of Ballymena’s 24 councillors was paid the 9,738 basic allowance which amounted to a total spend of 233,712.

Another 31,360 was handed out in responsibility allowances, while 28,560 was paid to 11 councillors who were also (District Policing Partnership) DPP members.

Travel claims by councillors cost ratepayers 19,056.

The Ballymena Times contacted Ballymena Borough Council on the matter but the local authority declined to make a comment.

The full list of councillors and their claims are...

Roy Gillespie (TUV) - 13,099.

Maurice Mills (DUP) - 19,916.

Samuel Hanna (DUP) - 14,789.

Patrick McAvoy (SDLP) - 16,344.

Hubert Nicholl (DUP) - 16,021.

David Tweed (UUCP) - 10,579.

Samuel Gaston (TUV) - 12,873.

Neil Armstong ( UUP) - 12,229.

James Henry (Ind) - 9,738.

Robin Stirling (TUV) - 10,327.

William McNeilly (UUP) - 15,012.

Elizabeth Adger (DUP) - 12,961.

James Alexander (TUV) - 17,808.

Martin Clarke (DUP) - 10,654.

James Currie (UUP) - 27,632.

Thomas Nicholl (DUP) - 16,476.

Joseph McKernan (Ind) - 10,185.

Declan O’Loan (SDLP) - 15,961.

Monica Digney (SF) - 12,182.

Deirdre Nelson (Ind) - 10,542.

John Carson (DUP) - 14,556.

Paul Frew (DUP) - 15,813.

Robin Cherry (UUP) - 11,949.

William Wilkinson (UUCP) - 9,940.