ESSEX county councillors claimed £16,000 in the past financial year for meals at County Hall.

In 2014/15, 69 out of 79 members claimed for at least one meal in the council’s restaurant.

A taxpayers’ campaign group has labelled the bill “simply extraordinary” and believes the public spending on food is unacceptable.

Rodney Bass, councillor responsible for highways, who represents Heybridge and Tollesbury, was the largest claimant, taking £808.37 of meals.

John Aldridge, who represents Broomfield and Writtle and has special responsibility for member development, claimed the fourth highest amount for meals, £621.97.

Councillors are eligible for three-course meals in the restaurant whenever they attend County Hall, in Chelmsford, on official business, regardless of how long they are there for.

Councillors receive a basic allowance of £11,499.96. Rodney Bass receivedatotal of £46,559.09 for his mileage, parking and a special responsibility allowance.

But the authority’s top payout went to leader David Finch, who represents Hedingham and who received £69,249.57. He took £654.40 for meals last year.

Kerry Smith, councillor for Basildon Westley Heights, was one of ten members who made no meal claims. He said: “I think it is a service from a different era.

“If councillors are there all day, I can understand provision of food, but why has it got to be a cooked meal?”

Ray Howard, councillor for Canvey Island West and deputy cabinet member for highways, defended the claims.

Mr Howard claimed £598.60 for meals in 2014/15. He gets £25,306.84 in allowances for his role as councillor.

He said: “If you are a cabinet member, you are at County Hall a lot.

"I spend at least four days a week there, sometimes five, and hold big responsibilities on highways and flood defences, so everyone knows the hours I put in.”

The meal provision has been criticised as inappropriate by the Taxpayers’ Alliance.

Chief executive Jonathan Isaby said: “There will always be certain times when providing a meal is the right thing to do, but this bill is simply extraordinary and taxpayers will be furious.”

Council leader Mr Finch said: “Member meals have been a long-standing part of the members allowance scheme.

"However, we recognise the need to move with the times and it has been agreed to ask the remuneration panel to look into and make recommendations on allowances and meal provision.”