Brighton councillor claims cycle mileage on expenses

Councillor and keen cyclist Pete West spearheaded the roll out of new lanes across Brighton and Hove last year.

His expenses claim was revealed in newly released data for the financial year ending April 2021.

According to the council's website, staff can claim 20 pence per mile in cycle mileage.

This would mean Cllr West cycled just shy of 70 miles - burning an estimated 3,360 calories.

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Unlike most other councillors, Cllr West did not claim a bus pass or a subsidised car parking space.

The expenses data shows fellow Green councillor Sarah Nield made the highest "travel and sustenance" claim.

The claim of £116.80 was the cost of a train fare to Manchester, where Cllr Nield attended a conference as part of her council role.

A Green Group spokeswoman said: "[It was a] Living Streets conference – Living Streets are the UK charity for walking and safer streets – and organise the government-backed Walk to School week.

"They also provide resources and policy insight for initiatives like school streets, public health, and on community engagement."

The spokeswoman added: "Travel permits and travel expenses are designed to facilitate access to meetings and promote equity of access. All expenses are listed in the public domain.

"Councillors are able to claim travel expenses as are council staff."

The only other claim for travel and sustenance was made by Labour councillor Anne Pissaridou, for £27.40.

Cllr Pissaridou said any travel expenses claims would have been for trips to and from the Brighton and Hove City Council bin depot while chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee.

Due to limited time, she said, some will have been made by taxi.