A newly-elected Conservative councillor has criticised KCC for wasting public money on providing iPhones and laptops for members.

Cllr Paul Cooper said he had declined the offer because of the perception it created at a time when voters were still struggling with the cost of living.

He argued that most of the 81 councillors probably already had phones which could be set up to receive e-mails from the council.

“For me, it is quite simple. I am eligible for an allowance of £13,000 already, which is quite generous enough given this is not a full time job.

"To take an iPhone and an iPad or laptop at public expense creates the wrong impression that we are being given free stuff.”

“There are some staff who are being re-graded to keep their job and here we are handing out free stuff which is actually quite expensive - an iPhone could cost you £600 or more.”

“We are asking residents to pay more council tax - which is for a good reason because it is for adult care - but it is the principle for me. We are being given stuff people do not need.”

In a tweet posted last week, he said: “I have declined @Kent_cc iPad and iPhone. I do not believe the taxpayer should pay for items I already own #wastage.”

All newly-elected county councillors are offered phones and laptops and the recent election there were 40 newcomers than previously.

Eric Hotson, KCC’s cabinet member for corporate and democratic Sservices, said: “In order for members to carry out their duties it is essential that they have access to appropriate IT systems at all times, not just when they are at County Hall."

“To do this in a safe and secure manner, KCC has a number of options which include the opportunity for members to use their own devices, the use of equipment issued by their borough or district council or a KCC laptop or tablet and a mobile phone."

Cllr Cooper, a financial adviser, was elected to the council as Conservative councillor for Maidstone South, taking the division from Liberal Democrat Bryan Clark.