HAMPSHIRE County Council was due to make a decision on Thursday on changes to the Councillors' Allowances scheme as recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).
Issues for debate include basic allowance, allowances to councillors holding positions of special responsibility, and mileage rate, childcare and carer allowances.
HCC leader Ken Thornber said: "Over the last four years, when the IRP has made recommendations for a cost of living increase to allowances, councillors have voted to reduce the increases recommended and on one occasion to freeze allowances completely. Such increases have averaged between two and 2.5 per cent and been pegged to the same level as the nationally negotiated cost of living rises for our staff. All members presently draw £1,000 less than previous IRP recommendations – a £78,000 annual saving.
"Compared to other large councils we pay fewer Special Responsibility Allowances than average, the allowances for Cabinet are low and the basic allowance is in exactly the relative position (third) that would be expected for a council of Hampshire's size."