Conservative-run Kent County Council has increased their councillor allowances by 8%. It was in line with a proposal from the independent remuneration panel, they haven't had a rise for four years and they promise not to give themselves another rise for another four years. But even so. Does it pass the "smell test" to do this in the middle of a recession and just after an election?
Labour councillor for Ramsgate, Cllr Liz Green, voted against the proposal which takes the basic allowance up to £13,290. She says it is "appalling." I have good news for Cllr Green. She doesn't have to take the increase. She can ask the accounts dept to continue paying her at the old rate.
