[ClarePritchard]

I just thought that I'd clarify my comments last night, I've never objected to people claiming expenses who need them, I don't believe that financial position should be a issue when on the council, if you need the money and are entitled to claim it as an expense then good on you. I'm not using it as a stick to beat anyone with. I was just publishing on here the information that Andrew requested from the Council under the FOI act. I'm lucky, my Mum and Dad live just up the road from me so I don't need to claim for my daughter to be looked after because she goes to her Grandparents, last year I wasn't entitled to a mobile phone as only the deputy leader and leader of the opposition are entitled (I qualify for that this year but don't claim it as I already have a contract phone and it would cost me a fortune to get out of the 18 month contract), I didn't go to any conferences as I really do believe that you should only attend the conferences that will benefit your role on the Council and enhance your skills to do your job. I hope this explains more fully the comments I made last night, I wasn't being smug AT ALL, just answering the exact question that Andrew asked of me and all other councillors