aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Tory leader of Canterbury City Council John Gilbey has today sprung to the defence of his chief executive over reports that he had spent taxpayers’ money in a profligate way.

An article in today’s Daily Telegraph reports that chief execuitve Colin Carmichael had spent nearly £6,000 on food and restaurants using his corporate credit card and had spent £400 on a trip to Reims, Canterbury's twin city in northern France.

It suggested that the spending by Mr Carmichael – and by 340 other local authority chiefs – would anger taxpayers at a time of economic turmoil.

Responding to the report, Cllr Gilbey said: “The first word I thought of when I saw this was 'disgraceful’ and it’s clear that the figures in the Daily Telegraph appear to have been significantly increased.

“Some councils may spend money on things like five-star hotels, but we have never done that.

"Colin’s expenses are triple checked and in my five years as leader we have never had to re-examine any of them.

“Everything we do and every expense and every payment is done with total financial probity.

“Colin’s expenses are immaculate and there is no issue here.”

The council says the total amount spent on Mr Carmichael’s credit card for the last three whole financial years is £17,641.

Council spokesman Rob Davies insists only a fraction is spent on Mr Carmichael personally and that the council often seeks to recoup money spent on the card where the costs can be shared.

Mr Carmichael has also defended his use of it.

He said: “I am well aware of the need to be responsible with taxpayers’ money and strongly believe that the small amount of spending highlighted by the Telegraph – which is spread out over the last four calendar years – is appropriate and of benefit to the council and our residents.

“It is my firm view that Canterbury is a very responsible local authority, where the needs of local taxpayers are at the forefront of all decisions about spending that are made by councillors and officers.

"In this time of economic uncertainty, we make sure we keep a very close eye on our spending to ensure local people get the maximum value for the council tax they pay.”

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