DURHAM City Council is to tighten up on councillors' expenses.

The Liberal Democrat-controlled authority's cabinet has agreed a new scheme for claiming for meals and travel.

Currently councillors get paid flat rate allowances when they are on council business away from the city including attending conferences in other parts of the country on the authority's behalf.

Under the new scheme they will be refunded only what they actually pay, provided they submit receipts. If receipts are not produced, claims will not be met.

Travel and accommodation will now be arranged in advance by the council. Second class tickets will be provided by the council.

The council hopes to reduce the £39,364 paid out to councillors last year.

Carol Woods, the finance portfolio holder, said: "If someone has only spent £30 on a hotel why should they be able to claim twice that because it is the maximum allowance allowed?

"We don't think anybody was making a profit on their expenses but we want to take the opportunity away and make the scheme fairer and more transparent.''

She added that the move was in 'stark contrast' to Durham County Council where councillors voted themselves a £1,000 a year rise that will cost council taxpayers £120,000 a year.