An enquiry made using the Freedom of Information Act revealed that the Welsh council of Blaenau Gwent spent £91,000 on chauffeur driven in the space of 12 months.

Other expenses which were uncovered by the enquiry included the cost of running the cars used for chauffeuring the councillors, also the chauffeur’s salary, the type of vehicle, and its cost.

The longest journey undertaken by one of the official cars and chauffeur from the council was 328 miles from Blaenau Gwent to London.

A spokesperson for the council explained the reason for the expenditure on chauffeur driven cars saying that the council had a duty to subsidise or provide transport for senior figures and those in elected positions.

The spokesperson went on to describe the dual role of the civic car service. The vehicles are used to transport councillors while on official duty, and also to deliver important documents to council members quickly and securely. Blaenau Gwent is the only council in Wales to utilise its civic car service in this way.

It was also stressed by the council spokesperson that a chauffeur driven car is vital for many of the highest ranking officials at the council to perform their role effectively. The cars are used by councillors, the Mayor and deputies while on officials visits to the community, and to transport these figures to charity events and fundraisers.