THE latest list of expenses claimed by members of North Yorkshire County Council has been published.

Topping the list of travel and subsistence expenses was Councillor Eric Broadbent, who represents the Northstead ward in Scarborough. He claimed £6,156.

Second was Councillor Chris Metcalfe, from Tadcaster East, with £6,048 and third was Councillor Murray Naylor, from Rillington, York, with £5,691.

All councillors receive a basic allowance of £6,555, which is added to by a special responsibility allowance.

Council leader Councillor John Weighell, who represents Bedale, received the most, £22,515.

He was followed by Coun cillor John Fort, from Pateley Bridge, executive member for environmental services, and Coun Metcalfe, executive member for education. Both are also members of the fire authority and received a total allowance of £17,385.

The expenses, allowances and attendance records cover the year ending March 31, 2003. The lists are being published on an annual basis.

The information is available on the council's website www.northyorks.gov.uk and in libraries.

It is also available on request from County Hall, Northallerton on (01609) 532663.