CLAIMS for councillors’ expenses in Hyndburn will be governed by changed rules from April.

An independent panel brought in to oversee members’ allowances has made three key recommnedations which have since been adopted by the council.

The Independent Renumeration Panel put forward three changes to be made, such as ensuring duplicate items are not claimed for.

The panel said where councillors claim first class rail tickets with food included in the price, a claim for an additional meal should not be included as part of the day’s expenses.

Also suggested was the use of the Retail Price Index to be used to calculate limits councillors are allowed to claim for specific items.

The third change to allowances will see a new carer’s allowance for childcare costs for dependent children up to the age of 17.

Changes will apply from Friday April 1.