Southend councillors could soon be voting themselves a huge rise in allowances following a report by an independent panel. Reporters CHRIS HATTON and ISABEL GOMPERTZ take a look at the increasing workload of our elected members.

April 1, 1998 marked a turning point in the history of Southend.

Amid all the jubilation, the borough became a stand-alone unitary authority with a budget turnover of more than £300million - more than many major businesses.

Schools, social services, libraries and highways all returned to borough control after a gap of 24 years.

However, the new status has taken its toll on our councillors.

Some senior members spend up to 40 hours in the Civic Centre each week, locked in meetings to improve services for the people of the town.

Most also have their own, full-time jobs - needed to pay the mortgage, bills and other costs.

Up until recently, members only received relatively low amounts of cash back for spending time on civic business.

When Southend assumed the mantle of unitary status, expenses did increase - but they did not reflect the amount of time and effort spent representing constituents.

A move to cabinet-style local government last year also heaped on the pressure with a packed timetable of meetings designed to streamline decision making.

Under the new proposals, Southend's council leader could be paid between £15,000 and £20,000 and executive councillors could be awarded a lump sum of £10,000 to £12,000.

Chief executive and town clerk, George Krawiec, believes it is vital to have a remuneration package for members - especially if councils are to encourage younger, talented people to seek election.

He said: "If Southend Council was a business with a £300million turnover, the leader of the council would probably be equivalent to the chairman of the company.

"It is likely that in this case, the chairman would receive multiples of ten-times the figure we are talking about here. That also relates to executive portfolio holders who are responsible for particular areas of services.

"Members of an independent panel kept in mind the fact that the job of a councillor was voluntary, but it also wanted to make sure that people didn't lose out."

The panel, which consisted of Bob Kelly and Michael Woodford from south Essex businesses and Chris Cheatle from the voluntary sector, concluded: "Southend is a unique authority and is unlike many shire district in Essex.

"Southend is also unlike many other unitary authorities in that its position in Essex ensures that it enjoys a 'strategic' role with an impact on areas outside the town.

"Finally, Southend Council has now reached a stage where its role is becoming more strategic, with a regional, national and possibly European platform.

"Therefore, the duties of the council leader and other members will possibly increase to ensure that this level is maintained."

Castle Point may have one of the lowest expenses budgets in the country, but caring councillors make sure they are on hand for residents, helping to resolve a range of problems from wasps nests and dealing with sewage spillages.

Labour councillors Dennis Neyland, Brian Wilson and Tony Wright have not missed one surgery since they were elected into office nearly five years ago.

Since 1995 the Labour trio, who represent St Mary's Ward, have made sure at least one of them was on hand to meet folk at their caravan stationed in a pub car park in High Road, Benfleet.

Mr Wilson said: "Everyone knows where we are now so they can just pop in to see us.

"We give out our phone numbers but often people don't like phoning.

"They want to see us face to face and it is easier if they know where we will be and at what times we will be there."

George Krawiec - believes it is vital to have a proper package to reward members for their efforts

(Left) Seat of power - the Southend council offices

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.