Council leader defends 140% rise

Education services are to be protected from council cuts

Cornwall County Council leader David Whalley has defended the planned 140% increase in his allowance.

Mr Whalley's allowance will go up from £9,150 to £22,500, in April next year following an independent review ordered by the council.

Eight other cabinet portfolio members will get a rise from £6,900 to £15,750, a 132% increase.

Mr Whalley said the increases would still leave councillors with less than the average around the country.

Nobody goes into local government to think about their salary because it is about working for the community David Whalley Cornwall: Tell BBC Cornwall what you think on the messageboard

Mr Whalley said: "My average working week is between 70 and 80 hours.

"At the present level of remuneration I am paid somewhat less than the minimum wage.

"Of course, nobody goes into local government to think about their salary because it is about working for the community, but equally we have many councillors who need to pay their bills at the end of the month."

His comments came as the council says its government grant for the coming year leaves it £9m short.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister says the 3% increase awarded to Cornwall is well above the rate of inflation and there is no excuse for huge council tax bills.

It has warned that it will cap councils who levy an council tax increase of more than 5%.

Education is protected, but every other council service is under scrutiny for cuts as the council reviews its annual budget of more than £500m.

Mr Whalley said: "We know that the government is intent on keeping rises to 5% and we will live within the means available to us."