MEMBERS of the public have questioned the bonuses paid by Bexley Council to some of its officers.

Council leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill was quizzed at the council meeting on why the performance of 39 out of a possible 70 eligible officers was considered so outstanding last year, they qualified for bonuses.

Michael Barnbrook claimed it was “an abuse of the bonus system”.

Mr Barnbrook claims in the last six years, Bexley has paid out nearly £800,000 in bonuses to staff.

John Watson wanted to know why the decisions on bonuses were taken in secret.

Cllr O’Neill said the decision-making often involved personal information.

She added councillors had decided to freeze their allowances for the coming year and she expected only in exceptional cases would officers be awarded bonuses this year.