The annual table reveals City of Edinburgh councillors claimed a total of £49,958 for travel, food and other expenses in 2008-2009, nearly half the total from three years ago.

The expenses of the three councillors covering South Queensferry are:

Councillor George Grubb
Subsistence - £207; other allowances and expenses - £552; total - £759.
Councillor Grubb said: "We want transparency and openness in the expense system and the focus from the beginning was that people should only claim expenses that are vital to their job. We are delighted with this year's figures."

Councillor Norman Work
Phone and information communication technology - £209; other allowances and expenses - £931; total - £1140.
Councillor Work said: "My expenses go toward my bus pass, conferences and travel.
''I think they have gone down due to a mixture of getting a salary, and the councillors who work here are here for a good reason.
''People do not become councillors for the money – it is not a gravy train. Councillors are good value for money."

Councillor Kate MacKenzie
Car and van mileage - £416; other allowances and expenses - £20; total - £435.
Councillor MacKenzie was unavailable for comment.