AS MPs discovered to their cost when the expenses scandal unravelled, perceptions are rather important when it comes to the public making judgements about the way in which elected politicians act and behave.

Auditor accepts that admin errors were to blame for councillors expenses mistakes>>>

KCC will no doubt hope that the outcome of a prolonged investigation into complaints about how some councillors have used private taxis and the authority's own chauffeur-driven cars will draw a line under what has, frankly, been a messy saga.

The district auditor says he accepts KCC's explanation that administrative errors were to blame for mistakes made when a small number of councillors submitted claims for travel in their own car when they had actually been travelling in a taxi or chauffeur-driven car.

His eight-page report records that the princely sum of £430.80 has been repaid for these administrative errors by among others, the deputy leader Alex King and the former KCC chairman Bill Hayton.

On the issue of whether Cllr King was within the council's own rules when he used taxis and council cars for a string of meetings to London's St Stephen's Club and the Atrium restaurant, the auditor writes: "I have no evidence to suggest that this explanation is untrue".

So, in the strict sense, the only reason KCC has had a mild rap on the knuckles is because of administrative errors.

But the sensitivity around the issue is reflected by the fact that KCC and the leader Paul Carter "have accepted the use of chauffeur-driven cars for private purposes is inappropriate and have stopped this practice."

And we have already reported how the deputy leader was advised to stop using them to travel to and from his home as there was a question mark over the rules.

Had there not been an investigation triggered by a member of the public, it is highly likely that the council would have continued to allow the practice.

Whether you consider it necessary for county councillors to have access to chauffeur-driven cars or not, KCC has not exactly covered itself in glory over the matter. There may be an argument to be made that providing senior councillors with access to chauffeur-driven cars on some occasions is sensible, especially if the costs of paying members expenses would leave the taxpayer with a higher bill.

But KCC appears to have lost sight of how these things can appear, especially at a time when taxpayers are struggling with bills and pay freezes and indeed many of its own staff face redundancy.

It needs to ensure not just that councillors know the rules, but that the public can be reassured that whatever arrangements are in place, they are not susceptible to abuse or exploitation.

Commuter Comparison : Train vs. Coach

 I think it’s about time someone put these two head-to-head.Not just which option is cheaper or whether you are guaranteed a seat… I mean a serious comparison on which is the best overall commuting experience. I’ll be looking at 3 categories - Entertainment, Comfort and Scenery, reaching a total score for each.

By all means, if you’re a commuter and wish to add your own views, then leave a comment & let me know which you prefer?

Entertainment – On The Train

1. The drunken snore that hides in the corner of the carriage. Usually occurs halfway home when the person has fallen into a deep sleep after too many lunchtime sherbets. This always raises a few giggles between other passengers – Score 4
2. The embarrassing ring tone. Whether it’s your children laughing or a clip of the ‘latest’ chart single – it’s very entertaining to watch the businessman squeeze his pocket in order to silence it. (Note to all; you may think your children are cute, but no-one else does) – Score 3
3. The table hog – is it really necessary to have your laptop, a book, the newspaper, your iPod and some left over lunch in front of you on your way home? I’d like to think the tables on a train are a luxury but if you are sitting next to a Hogger, it’s quite the opposite – Score 1
4. The Make up Artist – watching the ladies apply their makeup on the train is good entertainment, especially when they smudge it and look up to see if anyone witnessed their miss-hap. (Yes I saw) One thing I’d suggest to all female commuters – plucking eyebrows on public transport is just NOT acceptable. Score 3

Comfort – On The Train

1. Seats are a good size, you get a tray table and the window ledge is at a comfortable height to rest your arm if you want a nap. (or arm rest depending which seat you get) Sometimes getting a seat can be a mad max moment. Score 4
2. Heating & Air Con is usually just right on the train. It’s warm in the winter and cool when it’s hot. Saying that, if you pick the carriage with the broken system... you’re not in for a comfy journey! Hit or Miss Score 3
3. Toilets tend to be kept relatively clean - unless you are on the old South Easterns, the toilets look more like a dirty cupboard with a funhouse mirror. Score 2

Scenery – On The Train

Apart from countryside and the odd bridge, the most exciting things you get to see on the train is the graffiti around London, the occasional trolley dumped in a tunnel, and the late commuters when pulling out of a station. Why do they insist on running up to the door to press Open when it’s obvious the train is already moving? Score 2 out of 5.

Entertainment – On The Coach

1. The abrupt stop: You see your bus stop coming… you get your bags ready… begin to stand up and walk to the front… the driver sees you approaching in the mirror and Slam go the brakes! Your hand is now on someone’s head as a balance, your bag is swinging from your arm and your legs are like anchors holding you to the floor. Trying to maintain a smile, the doors slowly open; you compose yourself and give a swift ‘thanks, good night’ to the driver. It’s an awkward end to the day but the entertainment score is definitely a 4.
2. The Two-Seater. I must admit, I am guilty of this and there are a few ways people go about it. Ladies tend to have a ‘bag seat’ which is basically one chair for them and one for their belongings. Men do the ‘cover up’: sit on the aisle seat to hide the empty one by the window. And both sexes ‘play busy’: apply make up, read the paper, and pretend to sleep. Noone can justify this one, its just greedyness! It can be quite amusing when someone is asked to move over, it’s as though we were unaware of the empty seat next to us. Score 3
3. Overhead Compartments- Trust me, there is definate entertainment value there. Score 2
4. Forgetful Commuters – They are always at the coach stop before you, obviously been waiting a good five minutes and then suddenly realise they’ve forgotten something indoors/in the car. You can hear their brain ticking as they decide whether to go back for it. They start to walk swiftly from the bus stop – you know they will run as they disappear around the corner! The coach approaches from the bottom of the road and you think to yourself, do I tell the driver to wait? It’d be unfair to make everyone else late. It’s cruel, but I’ve done this and so have many others, no-one held the coach for me when I realised I had odd shoes on at the coach stop. Entertainment Value 5.

Comfort – On The Coach

1. Seating is always guaranteed on the coach, which is a big plus point. Wouldn’t fancy trying to stand in the aisle for 2 hours! The seats themselves could be slightly more padded, sometimes it feels as though you are sitting on a wooden chair with flimsy 70's seat covers - 3
2. Heating & Air Con – I’m sure the drivers are told to keep both to a limit, you feel nice and warm for a while and then half-way to work, you have to use your coat as a duvet. = 2
3. Toilets – non existent. I’m pretty sure Kings Ferry coaches have this luxury but Chalk well certainly doesn’t. Maybe that’s why they charge £1.50 more for a return ticket?  = 1

 Scenery – On The Coach

Personally, I think there’s more to see on a coach than the train. You get the countryside, you get shops, and you get the motorways… hell you even get to see the odd accident! Sick as it may be, humans have a natural instinct to stare when there’s trouble. The worse the crash, the more we look. Scenery score for the coach = 4/5

So, Total score is 22/40 for the train, but with 24/40 it’s the coach that has topped the bill. Ok… so maybe I lied at the start of my post when I said someone needs to create a ‘serious’ comparison. (I can’t see them publishing this on GoCompare.com!) However, I did promise an overall score showing which type of transport offers the best service.

Maybe you’ll consider my points and change the way you commute?

If you do, I’d advise you not to ask the lady at the back of the 7am chalkwell coach to move over. My bag does need its own seat :o)

No I’m not talking about the Isle of Sheppey (although they do have similar weird & wonderful attributes)

I’m talking about Ibiza, official name Eivissa. It should be pronounced 'Ee-bee-tha' but many Brits like to pronounce it Eye-Beef-Ah. Under no circumstances should it be pronounced as if it rhymes with 'eat pizza' (unless you are in the 90s pop group)

An island in the Mediterranean Sea, 79 km off the coast of Valencia, Spain. It attracts thousands of tourists every year... old & young for many different reasons.

Take my parents for example. Both nearing 50 and still make it to the infamous island every year. There’s a charm about the place; the beautiful sunsets, the clear sea, the trendy people. It’s all very relaxing, exactly as you would expect for one of the most popular holiday destinations.

 That’s not to say the island doesn’t have a rebellious side. I’ve recently come back from Ibiza and to say it was a relaxing holiday would be... well ... inaccurate. The nightclubs draw you in the minute you step off the plane. Girls sporting bikini’s thrusting the latest flyer at your family as you pass through with your suitcase. I found myself pulling faces at them as though my Nan would have, had this been 8am at Gatwick.

So we got to our villa which was absolutely stunning. Very modern and chic. So modern in fact, it was brand-new and no local taxi’s knew how the hell to get there! Our lacking knowledge of the Spanish language meant most of our nights out, ended with a 15 minute hike up the rocks. Two days into the holiday and my boyfriend had a face full – (not just alcohol) which left him with lip, elbow and knee scabs. Hence his newly acquired nickname as ‘Ibiza Rocks’.

The average amount of precipitation days in September out in Ibiza is 4 – we managed to find two of them in our week’s stay. Nevertheless, the Balearic Island still has lots to offer on a rainy day. We did some shopping & went to a bar in the evening. The 15 minute rock climb to the bar felt like an hour with 6 of us huddled under a sun parasol. Seemingly getting more drenched than if we had saved us the extra weight and ran without it!

We took a trip to Ibiza Town, and this is when I realised why the older crowds flock here in summer. It’s more upmarket than San Antonio and is coated in character. Lots of expensive restaurants and pretty stalls line the cobbled streets. It makes you wonder how us Brits haven’t managed to ruin it yet. Even here it seemed you couldn’t escape the festival vibe, come midnight and the drag queens are out in their circus attire. I managed to get a photo with one of them however he/she was very reluctant. Anyone wouldve thought I was asking the queen to kiss my feet!

On to the nightclubs... Amnesia grabbed our attention the most. One of the biggest clubs in Ibiza brought into the public spotlight with its feature in the Kevin & Perry Go Large movie in 2000. It had promised a night of the best DJ’s so for £45 entry, it seemed quite reasonable. They put on a free bus to and from the Ibiza Rocks bar which was a big tick in my box. The club is amazing with 2 huge rooms, a terrace and VIP area. All was going well until we reached the bar... £13 for a bottle of beer and £16 pound for a Vodka mix! Wallet-brain kicks in and thinks ‘water’ but you’re looking at £9 for a bottle of Still.

You can see why the 18-30’s love the clubs in Ibiza; They are on another level compared to any Kent nightspot. Saying that, for £5 entry and £3 a drink... I’ll be sticking to Maidstone for the rest of the year!

 Just a few notes for anyone planning a trip to Ibiza:

• Spain will never beat a proper English breakfast.
• Definitely try the traditional Paella and small octopus.
• Visit a Sunset Bar such as the Cafe del Mar to watch the sun go down.
• Go to the Hippy Market which is between Santa Eulalia and Escana (on every Wednesday)
• If you are hitting the clubs, take lots of money... and enjoy yourself!

I’d just like to make a special mention to a local girl named Francesca Foulkes, aged 21 who was tragically killed by a hit and run in Ibiza this summer. Rest In Peace xx

The Do's & Don'ts of Commuting

I am one of many who take on the commute into London. Whether it’s driving, jumping on the train or catching the coach; everyone knows it’s an uncomfortable and boring experience.

For those of you who have never had to face our death-breath in the mornings... you aren’t missing a lot.

So what causes a return trip to London to be so unpleasant…

Our fellow passengers and their failure to use 24 hour deodorant?

The refreshment man who manages to steer his trolley straight into your elbow?

The automatic toilet door that mysteriously opens as you are mid-wee? (Even though you are certain you pressed ‘Lock’)

The coach door, that swings open just an inch from your face – surely they should have a warning sign about these!

Or maybe The Transport Companies themselves for ‘seeing how many humans we can pack into a giant tin can’?

I’m not sure myself, but hopefully my Do’s and Don’ts list will help us to have a nicer trip to work.

Do remember your P’s and Q’s when using public transport

- Because frankly there are not enough people that do

Do have your arm rest down 

- If you don’t, the distance between you and the next passenger becomes very awkward and they might take this as an invite to use your shoulder as a dribble-catcher.

Do have your ticket ready for when the conductor requests it

- There’s nothing worse than the pressure of trying to find it while he/she stands and waits.

Do have your ticket ready when you reach the gates at the train station

- Unless of course you want a giant human back-pack

Don’t sleep with your mouth ajar

- I’m convinced the people sitting opposite attempt to get things in my open mouth. I’ve been woken up before and looked down to see a Skittle on my lap – very embarrassing but half-glad they missed and I didn’t choke to death on a kiddie sweet.

Don’t sit on the seat near the toilet

-1) because it smells and 2) see the point I made earlier about the door… no one wants to witness that

Don’t wait right in front of the train doors as it pulls into the station just so you can nab the first seat

- Its very annoying … you know who you are

Don’t text or email a private message whilst on public transport

- There is ALWAYS someone reading over your shoulder. I once discovered the naughty antics of an elderly man just by peeking at his emails, if only I could hunt his wife down on facebook and let her know. Hmm….

Don’t eat smelly food

-Afternoon coffee breath is bad enough on the train home; we don’t need cheese and onion crisps added to the mix.

Don't choose the seat above the wheels on the coach

-The seat itself doesn't supply much leg room and is slightly higher than the rest. Plus you feel every lump and bump of the London & Medway roads. Not good for travel sickness sufferers.

So there are the basics for you, which I will be updating. If you catch anyone on your morning or evening commute do-ing or don’t-ing any of these…. Give them the link to my blog!

Thanks for reading, Happy Commuting!