'˜PAY INCREASE' ON CARDS FOR COUNCILLORS?

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council could be in line for a pay increase after a Council committee voted in favour of increased allowances.

Last week the Corporate, Policy and Resources Committee discussed the payment of Special Responsibility Allowances payable to councillors.

A number of changes were recommended including one that the sum of £12,000 should be paid to the Mayor, with immediate effect, due to the workload and time commitment required to cover such a large council area.

It was also recommended that the Deputy Mayor’s allowance be increased by £1,000 per year with immediate effect.

Also in line for a ‘pay increase’ of £1,200 per year are members of the Planning Committee.

While the proposed increases were approved by the committee, a number of councillors were unhappy with the added expenditure.

Cllr George Duddy said: “I have some concern about the extra allowance being paid considering the committee get the best advice from planning officers.