SEVEN former and current Swindon councillors are claiming pension payments averaging £9,000 a year.
Though the roles are traditionally seen as voluntary jobs, a new system of allowances was approved by Swindon Borough Council in 2005.
The councillors are claiming a share of a £9m national pensions pot.
Campaigners say the money, paid by the council into the Local Government pension scheme, comes from the public purse.
A reply to a Freedom of Information Act request by the Advertiser showed the councillors claimed £9,345 in the current financial year to February and £10,513 between 2010 and 2011.
The employers’ contributions amounted to £9,049 between 2009-2010 and £8,332 in 2008-2009.
The Taxpayers’ Alliance has called for a reform of the Local Government Pensions Scheme, saying it is unfair for councillors to claim the money while the public foot council tax rises.
But the council says the system of allowances was ratified by an independent panel governing allowances and expenses and 53 councillors are not enrolled in the scheme.
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