Frugal Castle Point councillors will tonight reject a recommended instant 100 per cent pay rise.

An independent panel told them they ought to more than double their money from May.

However, at the finance and policy committee meeting, the council's ruling Labour group will opt to phase in the increase over four years.

At the moment, councillors get allowances totalling £63,900 between them, but an independent panel of five residents - who are not councillors and not involved in local party politics - recommended a scheme offering them a total of £141,000 allowances.

Jackie Reilly, (Lab, Canvey East) said: "The decision is being made by the ruling Labour group.

"Everybody felt very strongly about it. We recognise that this is funded by the council taxpayer and awarding ourselves a pay increase isn't our main priority."

The Independent Remuneration Panel was set up to examine the new duties of the councillors in connection with the new constitution starting on May 13.

More in today's Evening Echo

Published Monday, April 8, 2002