ELEVEN of Thurrock's elected 49 councillors banked more than £20,000 in the last civic year.

The latest figures detailing the payment of allowances to council members shows that Conservative leader of the council, Cllr Rob Gledhill was rewarded with the highest allowance, a total of £42,159 made up of his basic allowance of £9,368.67 and the leader's allowance of £32,790.33.

The next highest allowance went to deputy leader and finance portfolio holder Cllr Shane Hebb, who pocketed £26,232.27.

Recently outgoing borough mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo's allowance was £23,421.67.

Cabinet portfolio holders including Mark Coxshall, James Halden, Deb Huelin, Andrew Jefferies, Barry Johnson, Ben Maney, Allen Mayes and Aaron Watkins picked up more than £20,000 each.

Labour group leader Cllr John Kent received £18,489.96.

Just 14 councillors, Abi Akinbohun, Gary Byrne, Daniel Chukwu, Colin Churchman, Tony Fish, Garry Hague, Cathy Kent, Angela Lawrence, Steve Liddiard, Sue Little, Sue Macpherson, Fraser Massey, Sara Muldowney and Sue Sammons drew the basic allowance.

You can view the allowances of all councillors via this link