NEW figures show the Mayor of Kirklees is costing taxpayers nearly a quarter of a million pounds a year.

Kirklees Council’s mayor’s office is on course to spend £228,000 in 2010-11.

The figure includes the cost of support staff and the official car.

However, Kirklees plans to slash spending by 30% in the next three years.

In 2011-12 the mayor’s office will cost £192,000, which will fall to £174,000 the following year and £159,000 in 2013-14.

Clr Martyn Bolt, deputy leader of the opposition Conservatives, believes the mayor’s office costs too much.

The Mirfield Conservative said yesterday: “It seems a high cost and I hope we would look at it, given that essential services are being cut and staff laid off.”

Clr Bolt hopes the council will make savings by charging guests to attend the banquet held by the newly-installed mayor each May.

“I didn’t attend the mayoral banquet last year because we were approaching austere times,” he said.

“While it’s right to have a banquet, people attending should pay for their tickets. In the past we’ve had 100-odd people dining for free.

“If it’s an event you want to attend then you will pay. These are things you can make savings on without affecting service delivery.”

Current mayor Clr Andrew Palfreeman agrees that cuts have to be made.

The Birstall and Birkenshaw Conservative said: “I think the mayor’s office gives good value for money, but we have to be mindful of the restrictions that will be affecting every service.