Plans by Labour to dramatically increase allowance increases for Staffordshire county councillors have been rejected by Conservatives

The Conservative group has rejected the proposed increases made by the independent review panel to the authority's Labour cabinet.

The plan  to increase councillors' allowances  by 2.45 per cent for all councillors.

Conservative County group leader Phillip Atkins said:

"The Conservative group totally rejected the proposed increase when it was discussed at our group meeting.

The country is in a time of economic turmoil with many of our residents in fear of losing jobs or on short time working, while others are taking 10 per cent pay cuts. I know the public will see these rises as inappropriate and we wish to set an example to the ruling Labour group who I hope will follow our example.” 

Conservative county councillors at the fire authority also recently turned down a rise in allowances proposed by the Labour chairman.