HYNDBURN councillors are in line for a 3.6 per cent rise in their expenses.

The independent body responsible for setting Hyndburn’s rate has recommended a 3.6 per cent increase, which would come into effect on April 1.

But opposition members requested the council actively reject the rise by voting against it.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe, however, said that reductions could be taken individually by councillors and that they should do so ‘quietly, without trying to impress people’.

Opposition councillor Miles Parkinson said that by not voting for a reduction, or freeze, at tonight’s full council meeting, then councillors would receive an ‘astonishing’ rise.

He said: “To take a 3.6 per cent rise now – even if it is recommended – would be astonishing.

"People are taking pay cuts in their jobs, people are losing their jobs. It is insensitive of us to allow any raise.”

Coun Britcliffe hit back and said: “Councillors have always been able to make that decision and should do so individually.

“I won’t make any announcement as to my own decision – but it will be a matter of public record in a few weeks’ time.

“The scheme the Government set up linked the rise to inflation.

"I do think it is right that the decision is taken out of our hands in this way.”

Councillors’ allowances at Hyndburn includes a basic rate of £4,747 per councillor with extra for certain responsibilities.

In 2009/10 the highest amount of £30,951 was given to Coun Britcliffe, with Coun Brian Roberts, deputy leader and chair of Hyndburn's Community Safety Partnership following with £1,7038.

Lowest amount of £1 was claimed by Hyndburn Mayor Coun Malcolm Pritchard.

The full council meeting takes place at 7pm at Accrington Town Hall tonight.