South Lakeland District Councillors have voted themselves an early Christmas present approving a 1% pay increase. The rise was approved by the Lib Dem-run council at meeting of the full Council last night (Thursday 15 December)
The Independent Remuneration Panel recommended the pay rise, but Councillors don't have to approve the increase.
Leading calls against the rise was Windermere Conservative Ben Berry who spoke in the debate saying:
"At a time where the Council is cutting services and increasing Council tax we cannot in good conscience ask for more money for ourselves. Every Councillor needs to think carefully for themselves what message this sends to our residents."
Councillors have taken pay rises each of the last three years.