Increased allowances for councillors

The newly-created standards committee will also study a report from an independent panel which recommended improved scales which would cost 156,950 a year.

The leader, Cllr Graham Gubby, told Monday afternoon's cabinet meeting that with the exception of the recommended 1,700 a year basic allowance, he wanted the policy and standards committees to consider the report in the light of changing roles and responsibilities as a result of the swap from the committee system to leader-and-cabinet.

Cllr Brian Kentfield welcomed the independent panel's report but said there were anomalies.

As a former planning chairman he recognised the amount of time involved.

He wanted the planning chairman to receive the extra 200 committee members would receive.

With six-hour meetings a norm, a planning chairman could put in 216 hours a year.

"This works out at 1.20 an hour in hard cash in hand which is not a great deal..."

Deputy leader Cllr Robin Patten (Conservative, Guestling and Pett) also welcomed the report. But he said: "It is important that the job of a councillor is not unattractive to younger people.

"For older members without mortgages and families the amount of money is not as important."

Cllr Peter Fairhurst (Conservative, St Michael's) said: "I no longer have a mortgage - and it's a load off my mind!

"We have to look at the younger people.

"Ten years ago I could not have been a councillor.

"I couldn't have afforded it.

"I think we must encourage younger people to become councillors."

Cllr Paul Osborne (Conservative, Rye) said: "Last year I spent some time doing Best Value reviews.

"I am self-employed so, no work- no money, that was 560 in lost money."

When the leader invited Cllr Kentfield to withdraw his proposal that the planning chairman should receive more, Cllr Kentfield said: "I am not happy about that."

The planning chairman's responsibilities had increased under the new regime.

Under the existing scheme the planning chairman received 50 per cent more than other chairmen.

"I cannot see there is any problem there."

However, he agreed to withdraw and let the allowances issue go to the scrutiny committee.