Exmouth councillors' allowance increases

EXMOUTH'S town councillors have agreed to an increase in their allowance – even though they do not claim it.

EXMOUTH'S town councillors have agreed to an increase in their allowance - even though they do not claim it.

The council has been told by local government purse holders members will each be entitled to claim �283 basic allowance during 2009/10 to use against any official council duties.

Currently none of the councillors claims the cash but members said retaining the funds was paramount to prevent disqualification.

The council believes becoming a member should be accessible to all, regardless of income, and voted for the increase to aid others who could be put off from joining through lack of funds.

The Independent Remuneration Panel for East Devon calculated the allowance in line with district council standards.

The panel recommended �413 special responsibility allowance, payable to the town's mayor, and �283 members' basic allowance.