ONE of the highest-paid councillors in Hampshire has just picked up another public role which will net him almost £26,000.

Keith House has been appointed as an £8,666-a-year board member of the South East England Development Agency (Seeda).

The three-year appointment requires a minimum of two days’ work a month.

In the 2008/09 financial year, Eastleigh Borough Council leader, Cllr House, claimed £55,905 in expenses and allowances and held a number of public posts.

However, he stepped down from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority, from which he earned £2,865 a year, and Seeda.

Now he is back on the agency board and has been given an allowance hike of £8,905 for his new role as Liberal Democrat leader on Hampshire County Council.

This makes it likely that his total claim in allowances and expenses may soon pass the £60,000 a year mark.

Cllr House said: “I was asked to rejoin the board, which is a ministerial appointment, I imagine due to the range of experience I have and can offer Seeda as the South-East emerges from recession.

“My previous term ended a year ago. I understand that convention limits board members to a maximum of six continuous years’ service.

“The board role is attending meetings, contributing to Seeda’s strategies and policies, and working with business and partners across the south-east, typically for two to three days each month.”

He added that expenses should not be confused with income.

Rosie Winterton, Minister for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination, also appointed Andrew Finney, Richard Ascough and Julian Crampton to the Seeda board.

Rob Douglas, Seeda chairman, said of the appointment of Cllr House and the three others: “With their wide-ranging experience and deep local knowledge they will help Seeda and its partners to assist businesses improve productivity and to create employment opportunities making a difference for businesses, for individuals, and the economy.”