COUNCILLORS in Rossendale will no longer be able to claim for the cost of home broadband as part of a cost-cutting measure.

The council currently pays around £2,000 a year for councillors to have broadband at their homes.

The move comes as the council saves around £15,000 over the next two years following the renegotiation of its mobile phone contract.

It has retendered its contract for mobile phones and handheld devices with the new deal being shared between Vodafone and Premier Mobile.

Coun Tony Swain, leader of Rossendale Council, said: “We are working hard to drive down all of the costs the council incurs.

“I'm delighted that we have been able to save around £15,000 on our mobile telephony costs through retendering the contract and some tough negotiating with potential suppliers.

“It's also right that councillors should no longer have their broadband costs paid by the council, we all have to make sacrifices.”

Liz Murphy, head of people and policy, said: “Mobile phones and handheld devices are vital tools that enable staff at the council to maximise their productivity.

“The use of these devices is monitored carefully to ensure that they are only used for business purposes and not personal use.

“Mobile phones are also a vital part of the safety and security of our staff who work alone or out of office hours.”