Total amount of compensation paid out by Bracknell Forest Council revealed

The incident was only revealed after the total number of successful compensation claims against the council were published by the Tax Payers' Alliance last week. 

Figures show the council has paid out nearly £40,000 since 2013 after residents claimed compensation for injury or damage to their private property. 

Damage caused by pot holes or fallen trees and a body warmer missing from lost property are all listed among the successful compensation claims against the council in 2013/14 while a number of claims remain under investigation, including one claim for a cut caused by a 'protuding metal staple'. 

The Tax Payer's Alliance say the 'compensation culture' is diverting money away from essential services and they want to root out people who are playing the system. 

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "The compensation culture is costing taxpayers dear and every pound spent on settlements or higher insurance premiums is a pound that isn't spent on essential services such as road maintenance or social care.

"Of course, some of the payments made by councils will be entirely justified, as the most serious accidents can change lives. 

"Councils must do everything they can to ensure mistakes don't result in such large bills for hard-pressed taxpayers - and take appropriate action against staff whose actions result in costly claims. We must also root out those who are playing the system with spurious demands for taxpayers' cash."

In 2014/15 there was only one successful claim in Bracknell for £3,205 after a printer was dropped on a person's leg while a claim entered after a person fell down a manhole remains under investigation. 

Claims in 2013/14 included £3,760 paid out after a claimant fell in a large hole in a car park, £680 after an incorrect medication dose was given and £100 after a pest control officer damaged an antique sink while looking for rats.