COUNCILLORS in Darlington were paid more than half a million pounds to cover their expenses last year.

Each of the borough's councillors was awarded a basic allowance of £7,388 in the year ending in March, new figures have revealed.

On top of this minimum, members with special responsibilities - like chairing committees, and holding cabinet posts - were given an additional sum.

The allowances are set by an independent body every few years and rise in line with council salaries each year. Elected members of the council receive the set amount - they do not claim expenses.

The leader of the council, John Williams, who is chosen by his fellow party members, made the most money - £28,544 - but the cash had to cover all expenses, including travel, attendance meetings and correspondence.

Some Darlington councillors work, but many are retired, a handful work for other local authorities and health authorities.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: "Councillors' allowances reflect the time they dedicate to their role as elected members.

"They give up much of their time to serve the public and many have extra, important responsibilities, such as cabinet members. No extra expenses are allowed for travelling to meetings within the borough, only for official business outside the borough."

Deputy leader Councillor Bill Dixon had the second highest allowance of councillors - and was awarded a total of £20,082. According to the register of members interests, Coun Dixon, who represents Eastbourne ward, works as a local government officer for Durham County Council.

Cabinet member for children's services, Chris McEwan, is an NHS manager for Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust. He was awarded almost £18,000 to cover his expenses as ward councillor for Haughton East and his cabinet position.

Other cabinet members who were awarded almost £18,000 include Don Bristow, who represents Cockerton East and is cabinet member for resource management; Nick Wallis, Haughton West, cabinet member for highways and transport; Lee Vasey, Eastbourne, cabinet member for leisure services; David Lyonette, Haughton West, cabinet member for planning and regeneration; and Councillor Stephen Harker, Pierremont, who is the cabinet member for consumer and environmental services. He also works as an IT consultant.

Councillor Ian Haszeldine, Lingfield, works as an audit commission inspector and is chair of the resources scrutiny committee on Darlington council - gaining an allowance of £15,850.

Councillors Tony Richmond, Doris Jones, Cyndi Hughes, Stella Robson and Marion Swift were awarded the same sum.