Councillors' allowances for 2013/14 have been revealed this month, and one councillor feels that some may be taking more than they should with the current economic climate within the community.

While all councillors get a basic allowance of just over £13,000 a year. those with special responsibility such as the leader of the council, cabinet members and leader of the opposition among others receive an additional allowance and the choice of whether to claim further expenses.

This year, travel expenses from councillors amounted to £51,244.84 and of the 43 current councillors, only seven - Councillor Peter Clarke, Councillor Bob Hayward, Councillor Sara Jones, Councillor Paul Jordan, Councillor John Marshall, Councillor Armand Watts and Councillor Kevin Williams - did not claim travel expenses.

Councillor Kevin Williams has spoken out about his belief that it is morally wrong for councillors to take these extra expenses when the county is cutting basic services.

He said, "It's a personal thing for me. I believe we get an allowance and should pay to travel out of that in the current climate. It's a matter for members really but that's my view.

"Some members are on big salaries and to claim a further £3-4,000 on top is just plain madness. I know people say 'it's within the rules' but I think it is morally wrong when we are cutting things like basic street lighting and SEN travel to college for the most vulnerable people in our communities."

Leader of the council, Peter Fox has spoken in defence of the councillors who decide to take their travel allowances saying that the level of 'salary (and salary is the correct terminology) that can be claimed by councillors is prescribed by the Independent Remuneration Panel'.

"The salary a councillor receives in many cases is their only income and for cabinet members the IRP regards their jobs as full time and will not allow additional income from other public sources under their control. Sadly the work that councillors do and the amount of work they undertake is often not understood or appreciated.

"Regarding reimbursement for travel costs, whilst one or two members haven't claimed this year, the majority do and it is ultimately the individual's choice. A councillor's home is formally recognised as their place of work. It is therefore fair that they be allowed to claim their costs when travelling to undertake the business of the council.

"It has to be recognised that Monmouthshire is a large geographical area and many councillors do incur significant costs dependent on where they reside in the county and the level of responsibility they hold.

"Travel expenses are a reimbursement of the costs that have been incurred and the amount that can be claimed is guided by HMRC. The tax treatment of travel costs are no different from anyone else whose working base is their home. The claiming of travel expenses is something generally accepted across all sectors and I see no reason why councillors, who provide a valuable service, should be excluded or made to feel guilty for this."

With full totals of salaries taken into account, 16 Councillors earned over £20,000, with Council Leader Peter Fox earning £45,529.35, Councillor Phil Hobson earning £32,070.29 and Councillor Greenland taking £30,322.99.

In total £819,953.41 was paid to MCC Council members over the 2013/14 financial year.

What your local councillor claims -

Councillor Geoff Burrows - £27,525.13

Councillor Peter Clarke - £13,175.04

Councillor Ralph Chapman - £13,501.74

Councillor Douglas Edwards - £17,225.43

Councillor Ruth Edwards - £24,485.85

Councillor James George - £13,282.14

Councillor Roger Harris - £16,678.40

Councillor Martin Hickman - £13,763.24

Councillor Giles Howard - £28,357.28

Councillor Simon Howarth - £23,880.18

Councillor David Jones - £14,079.10

Councillor Bryan Jones - £26,664.03

Councillor Penny Jones - £13,829.34

Councillor Sara Jones - £13,980.56

Councillor Paul Jordan - £21,890.04

Councillor Maureen Powell - £15,323.95

Councillor John Prosser - £23,339.89

Councillor Val Smith - £13,402.29

Councillor Brian Strong - £13,383.39

Councillor Kevin Williams - £13,175.04