BARNSLEY’S councillors collectively picked up more than £1.1m through annual wages and allowances over the latest 12-month period, the Chronicle can reveal.
There are 63 councillors - three in 21 wards - and each received the basic £12,751 salary.
In addition to their annual wage, some councillors receive special responsibility pay for carrying out extra duties such as serving on the council’s ruling cabinet or chairing committees including planning, scrutiny or licensing boards.
Former Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton was paid the most at £44,405.75, with deputy leader of the council Caroline Makinson second as she received more than £33,000.
The previous cabinet members under Labour - Wendy Cain, Robin Franklin, Robert Frost, James Higginbottom, Sharon Howard and Jo Newing - all claimed more than £28,000.
Former Rockingham councillor David White who resigned from his role received the least at £9,788, made up of £9,563 in standard salary and £225 in travel expenses.
Five councillors chose to claim £750 for expenses for travel - the most they possibly can - to and from the town hall for meetings.
They were Sue Bellamy, Wendy Cain, Mandy Lowe-Flello, Martin Morrell and Jo Newing.
The total paid to all councillors in wages and allowances for the last financial year was £1,110,117, or £44,000 more than the previous year’s amount.
A Barnsley Council spokesperson said: “All councillors receive a basic allowance in recognition of the work they do on behalf of the community, such as representing their constituents and attending council meetings.
“Members with extra responsibilities, for example, cabinet members and chairpersons of regulatory boards, also receive a ‘special responsibility allowance’ for the extra work involved.
“Both elements are set by an Independent Remuneration Panel.
“The increase in members’ allowances is linked to the cost-of-living increase awarded to local government staff.
“This increase for staff is agreed nationally through the National Joint Council pay scale.”
