The total cost of the 29 elected representatives since May 3, 2007, to March 31 of this year stands at £536,249 - the first time the figure has breached the half-million pound mark.

The total figures for 2007-2008 were revealed in a report to the full council yesterday afternoon.

Council leader Bob Myles was the highest earner with a basic salary of £27,391 with the total rising by a further £5,000 largely due to travel expenses.

Provost Ruth Leslie Melville came in second with a total of £25,237, which included a sum for expenses of £4,493 of which £2,730 was incurred carrying out her civic duties.

Deputy leader Ian MacKintosh made it into third with an amount of £23,382 including a figure of £2,638 in expenses.

Over £6,000 of his salary was paid by the Tayside Police Joint Board due to his role as convener.

Leader of the opposition Rob Murray took a total of £21,921 with expenses totalling nearly £5,000. However, as vice-convener of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) over £2,000 of his expenses have been reclaimed by the council.

Mr Murray's SNP colleague, and Arbroath West and Letham councillor, Donald Morrison was paid the least of the 29 elected members, pocketing just his basic wage after he chose not to submit any claims for expenses.

In his report Colin McMahon, the director of corporate service explained: "All remuneration, allowances and expenses paid to councillors have been contained within the members services 2007/08 Revenue Budget.

"In total remuneration, allowances and expenses payments to Councillors of £575,494 were made in financial year 2007/08 whereof £10,961 was paid by other bodies or organisations."