Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has revealed figures which show that Perth & Kinross Council have paid out over £1,850,000 in compensation claims over the past 13 years. Since the millennium over 3260 claims for compensation have been made to Perth & Kinross Council with 638 receiving a compensation payment. Figures from the financial April 2013 are not currently available. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fifesaid: "The fact that Perth & Kinross Council has paid out over £1,850,000 in compensation claims over the last 13 years is very concerning. Questions clearly need to be ask why we are seeing such a significant amount of taxpayers’ money being paid out especially at a time when there are already very substantial pressures on tight Council budgets. “Whilst accidents do happen, and whilst they must be dealt with appropriately, there are concerns about the "compensation culture" which seems to be developing. Although the level of payment has decreased in recent years these statistics show the extent of the claims for compensation being made. “Councils across Scotland spend thousands of pounds enforcing health and safety legislation and therefore it is concerning that we continue to see so many claims for compensation. “I hope that Perth & Kinross Council will look to review the situation and seek to make sure that taxpayers’ across Perth & Kinross-shire see value for money for their tax pounds.”