A HYNDBURN councillor charged with scrutinising the council's 'value for money' earned over £1,000 for every meeting she attended in 12 months.

Rishton councillor Jennet Liddle claimed a £5,266 allowance as vice chairman of resources overview and scrutiny, but has excused herself from five of the last 10 meetings, including the last four.

The Conservative councillor, who recently returned from a holiday in Florida, sent in her apologies on 7 July, 20 April, 17 March and 23 February this year, as well as on 16 June 2008.

She insists that the "unfortunate" absences were unavoidable.

Council bosses have pledged to raise the issue of members' attendances at the next scrutiny work programme.

Last month Labour leader Councillor Graham Jones told the Observer he would be prepared to hand back £724 in pre-paid allowances after missing seven out of 16 planning committee sittings due to unavoidable work commitments after afternoon meetings was switched to mornings.

Overview and Scrutiny member Councillor Collette McCormack, said: "Unless we know why Jennet hasn't turned up it would be difficult to comment. But it would be nice if councillors that don't feel they're up to put in the time or are unable to make meetings could follow Graham's lead and pay some money back. If for whatever reason you cannot make a meeting you give your apologies but you try and get a substitute. Where subs are involved it would be nice if they got the attendance allowance."

Last year Councillor Liddle claimed £10,491 in council allowances, less than 23 of her 39 colleagues. She received £724 as chair of Rishton Area Council and claimed £240 in carers' allowance.

She missed the most recent meeting due to her holiday, while she believed she missed the three previous committees due to a combination of work commitments for a new job, a hospital operation and a family bereavement.

She said: "This happens sometimes and it's very unfortunate but I am keeping on the ball and contributing. I have been to plenty of progress meetings and been in contact with officers and colleagues.

When you are just starting a new job it is not easy to ask for time off but now I am settled into position."

Among items discussed at the last resources scrutiny committee was the 2008/9 'Value for Money' report, which found that just 35 per cent of the borough's residents feel the council delivers value for money.