Lib Dems vote against pay rise for second year in a row

5.14.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th May 2009

Labour and the Independent Administration have voted to pay themselves more money

Lib Dem councillors in Merthyr Tydfil have voted against plans to give councillors in the borough a 2.5% pay rise for the second year in a row.

The proposal, which was supported by Labour and the Independent group, will see councillors pay rise to £13,356 at the basic level and £21,868 for councillors with extra responsibility.

Kevin O'Connor, Leader of the Lib Dem group on Merthyr Council said, "We are very disappointed that Labour and the Independent group have awarded themselves a pay hike, at a time when ordinary families are really struggling. It just doesn't make sense. The Lib Dems voted against this for the second year in a row and whilst we will be bound by the council's decision, the Lib Dems will be donating the extra cash to local good causes once again."

Local campaigner Amy Kitcher added, "When you consider that council staff are likely to get just a 0.5% increase, the big payout for councillors seems all the more absurd. But to make matters worse the Independent administration has also decided to increase their pay every year by the maximum amount - no longer consulting councillors in the annual debate on the issue. Frankly it's disgusting."