Essex councillors could have their right to free hot meals at County Hall removed after an independent report recommended the perk was scrapped.

At present, members are entitled to food from the restaurant at council headquarters whenever they are visiting on official business, regardless of how long they stay for.

In July, it was revealed 69 out of 79 councillors had claimed for food at least once during the previous year, totalling a combined £16,000.

Highways councillor Rodney Bass was the largest single claimant, eating his way through £808 of food in the past year.

But a full council meeting tomorrow will vote on a report which recommends food allowances are scrapped. 

It suggests councillors should only be allowed to make claims when attending full council meetings.