Southend's council leader could be set for a 100 per cent increase in allowances under new recommendations revealed yesterday.

Annual payment for the top job could jump from £10,000 to between £15,000 and £20,000, according to a new report from an independent panel.

Seven other super-councillors could also be given a lump sum of up to £12,000.

The proposals have been drawn up by business and voluntary leaders and George Krawiec, Southend's chief executive and town clerk who say the recommended rises reflect the massive increase in workload since Southend became a stand-alone unitary authority.

They added that they took into account "possible hostility" towards the issue when making their recommendations, and as a result made "a considerable reduction on what they consider to be the true rate for the job."

A report on the panel's views reads:

"They believe that in making the proposals, they have been fair and equitable and feel that without recompense of at least this level, there is a real danger that potential new members of the ability that the town needs will simply not be able to afford to be councillors."

Mr Krawiec insisted the proposals were very low in comparison to some London boroughs which had been urged to increase council leaders' allowances to around £45,000.

Several of the current cabinet members work full time as well as undertaking extensive council business.

Chris Cheatle, panel member and chairman of Southend Association of Voluntary Services, stressed: "This is an important first step in recognising the importance and significance of members' roles by offering them proper expenses."

The recommendations will now be consdiered in detail by Southend Council.

The recommendations:

Standard allowance for all 39 councillors: £5,000 to £6,000

Council leader: £15 to £20,000 including standard allowance

Seven executive councillors: £10,000 to £12,000 including standard allowance

Three scrutiny committee chairmen: £7,000 to £8,000 including standard allowance

Three chairman of regulatory committees: £7,000 to £8,000 including standard allowance

One leader of the largest opposition group: £6,000 to £7,000 including standard allowance

In addition:

All packages increase with inflation

A separate, dedicated phone line to be installed free of charge and all line rental and business-related charges be met by the council

That when legislation allows, all packages be made pensionable.

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