Glasgow’s Labour Councillor for Pollokshields, Hanif Raja, has found himself at the center of a political controversy over his substantial car mileage claim. Raja, who drives a 6-litre Lexus LS, has claimed over £4000 in car mileage for the 2022/23 financial year, a figure that stands out in the council’s public spending records1.
The Lexus LS, hailed by the RAC as “the most refined car this side of a Rolls-Royce Phantom,” comes with a hefty price tag of £92,000 when purchased new. Despite its luxury status, the vehicle’s fuel consumption is less than optimal at 19.5 miles per gallon.
Raja’s mileage claim is enough to cover a journey from the east to the west coast of the USA three times over. In local terms, this equates to a trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats seven and a half times. Given Raja’s previous remote participation in council meetings from Sri Lanka, the council’s public purse has essentially funded a virtual drive from Glasgow to the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, and halfway back.
Despite the high figures, Raja defends his claim, attributing the mileage to his extensive Baillie duties and his involvement in community councils in the ward. His claim accounted for around one-third of the total car mileage claim of all councillors, a stark contrast to the 20 councillors who submitted no mileage claims throughout the year.
The revelation of Raja’s hefty claim coincides with the introduction of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the Glasgow city. The LEZ, designed to reduce pollution from cars, arrives amidst concerns over illegal levels of pollution in some city streets. Raja’s Lexus LS, while undeniably luxurious, raises questions about the council’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport options.
The total annual expenses bill for the councillors was £61,460.85, including £12,764 for car mileage and a variety of other claims. The overall bill for salaries and expenses came to £2,052,378.07. This figure includes those who left the council and new councillors elected in May 2022.
As Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone comes into effect, Raja’s claim highlights the ongoing debate about public spending, environmental policy, and the role of local government in setting an example for sustainable living.
