The chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council looks set to keep his chauffeur-driven car, following calls to scrap it.

Councillor Bob Kilmister described the car as a “chauffeur-driven limousine,” which costs the taxpayer £18,170 a year, adding that it was from a “bygone era” and should not continue when public services are being cut.

He has submitted a Notice of Motion which is due to be discussed by cabinet today, Monday, April 20.

Cllr Kilmister asked that no new lease be entered into by the council and called for every attempt to find suitable alternative employment for the chauffeur.

A report from the chief finance officer explained that the limousine was actually a Seat Alhambra people carrier, and that other local authorities in Wales still maintain a chairman’s car to ensure flexibility in carrying up to six passengers.

The report said: “If the chairman and other members/officers are attending the same function, they will all travel in the chairman’s car together in order to minimise travel costs.”

A further consideration is said to be the security of the chairman when attending functions, due to their timing, location and the requirement for wearing the chain of office.

The report states: “The provision of the chairman’s car ensures that the chairman can be transported to and from a function safely and without any risk to their security.”

It concludes with a recommendation not to adopt Cllr Kilmister’s notice of motion.