AN independent panel is to be asked to carry out a further review over how much councillors are paid in Tendring.

The panel had made a number of recommendations to Tendring Council, but it has been asked to consider councillors’ allowances again in light of changes since the elections in May.

Labour group leader Ivan Henderson criticised the decision as the authority is currently spending an extra £21,400 a year following the decision to increase the council’s cabinet from seven to ten members.

But council leader Neil Stock said the situation had changed since the original review had taken place.

“The panel has done an excellent job, but their work took place before the elections and we now have 30 new councillors,” he said.

“A further review will be able to take into account the new councillors’ views and reflect the current situation, such as the extra work being undertaken by members of the planning committee.”

It has been mooted that councillors on the planning committee should receive larger allowances due to an increase in their workload, but that other roles – such as licensing committee members – should received less.

Mr Stock asked that the review took place as soon as possible; in the meantime, the current level of allowances will continue.

But Mr Henderson criticised keeping allowances at the current level.

“This decision will cost taxpayers more due to the increase in the size of the cabinet,”

he said.

“It has simply been kicked into the long grass while some councillors get to keep more money in their pockets.”