WAVERLEY Borough Council staff are set to receive a 3.7 per cent annual increase.

The rise, 1.4 per cent above the rate of inflation, was met with approval by members of Waverley's executive committee at their meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting heard that discussions were held with a Waverley staff and councillor panel last week, and that two-thirds of the staff present had agreed to accept the increase of 3.7 per cent.

Councillor Pat Frost, who was a member of the negotiating team, said: "We have held three meetings, the last one was very long and protracted, and I am delighted that staff have agreed to accept this offer."

The pay rises are expected to cost the council more than £300,000 for the next financial year.

A final decision on the pay rises is expected to be made by the full borough council at its next meeting on Wednesday, February 13.