Aberdeen councillors have claimed nearly £50,000 worth of expenses in the past year, new figures have revealed.
Figures released by the local authority showed the 43 members cost the taxpayer £924,006, including £47,873 on expenses, in 2014/15.
Expense claims which were down from £57,743 in 2013/14.
The highest expenses bill came from Barney Crockett, who claimed £6,558 for travel, £5,967 for subsistence, and £749 for phone bills – £13,274 in total.
The Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone councillor is part of several committees and trusts and often takes overseas trips to represent the city abroad.
Last year the former council leader was criticised by taxpayer groups after he jetted off to Japan on a three-day trip to attend a conference for just 90 minutes.
His remit also includes representing Aberdeen and its interests on Energy Cities and the North Sea Commission.
Last night Mr Crockett defended the claims and said that except his mobile phone and international travel he did not claim for anything.
He said: “It is essential that as a city we’re playing a key role in the EU and beyond and that often need international travel.
“There’s been a change of gear and we’re now leading the way in Europe and playing a big international role.
“I’ve always said that Aberdeen councillors claim less than anywhere else in the country and I know that every councillor is very reluctant to put in claims.
“We need to be careful with our claims but we also need to make sure we don’t put off people becoming councillors in the future.
“There are necessary expenses that people need to claim.”
Lord Provost George Adam had the second highest expenses claim at £7,375.
SNP councillor John Coral didn’t file a single expenses claim during 2014/2015 and SNP group leader Jackie Dunbar had the second lowest at £127.
Last night Taxpayer Scotland spokesman Eben Wilson welcomed the fall in claims made by councillors.
He said: “This is good news for the taxpayers that expenses are at last falling.
“We doubt the electorate has seen less of them despite them spending less of their money.
“I hope others across the country follow their example.”