Council's first-class travel 'broke no rules'

Councillors' first-class train travel was justified, according to an internal audit.

The latest meeting of South Tyneside Council's audit committee received an update on a review which took place around its councillors' travel.

In February, the BBC reported South Tyneside was the only local authority in the north-east of England to pay for its members to use first-class trains.

First-class travel was used on more than 50 occasions by councillors over the last financial year at a total cost of about £10,100, while standard class was only used six times, according to the report.

The council's constitution states "all members will normally travel standard, but the council will seek to secure cost-effective travel arrangements at all times", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

It adds first-class was not "an automatic right" and there must be "real justification" as to its use.

Officers noted councillors were required to complete a members conference attendance form for such travels.

In reviewing the completed forms, officers said it was apparent during 2024/25 older forms had been used which did not have a section which required the councillor to justify first-class travel.

On the forms with a rationale provided, a number of members cited health issues, which they advised required them to "have seating with additional legroom".

There were also instances where travel was booked last minute and members needed to sit together to "hold discussions".

Officers said the constitution did not "preclude" first-class travel and their findings indicated "there are circumstances when first-class travel is permissible".

The report summarised: "Travel outside the borough to conferences, seminars, training etc is not extensive and the costs involved are not considered significant in the context of having members who are suitably trained and informed."

It added while the rationale was not always well explained, it appreciated health needs, seating availability and costs were considerations.

The audit committee chair, Green councillor Chris Davies, highlighted how the report came amid a backdrop of difficult financial challenges which were impacting residents.

He said: "We are here to deliver value for money and we are experiencing significant budgetary pressures."

Labour councillor Ken Dawes said the audit had "done its job" and looked at the issue and "on paper no rules have been broken".

On Thursday the constitution committee is due to discuss travel policy changes for 2026/27 which would require members to use the cheapest fare for rail travel.

If adopted, it would mean first class would only be permitted if it was the cheapest option or if councillors paid the difference themselves.

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