CHRISTCHURCH councillors will not increase their allowances after members voted against independent recommendations.

During a debate at full council recently, members were unanimous in their objection to the measure.

Currently councillors can receive £4,154 in basic allowances, with some roles given slightly more due to special responsibilities.

A special independent remuneration panel recommended that all members of the council should have a pay increase of around two per cent, which would bring the allowance to £4,238.

Christchurch council are paid the least amount of basic allowance from councils across Dorset.

Purbeck councillors get £4,616 with those at West Dorset and Weymouth getting £5,097.

Initially an increase of only one per cent was budgeted, but a report to members said the two per cent could be contained within the budget for the next year.

However, leader, Cllr David Flagg proposed members merely note the report and asked that no allowance be awarded to vice chairs of committees.

This should be reviewed next time the scheme is raised, he added.

Cllr David Jones said: "There has been some discussion about members allowances and about the reasons why we do what we do and various other things.

"We should always remember that we are the servants of the public, despite what some political philosophies say, we are not their masters.

"It is not the appropriate time for any increase."

Cllr Colin Bungey said: "I agree with Cllr Jones.

"At this time and day and age we need to look very carefully and I would propose they remain at their current level.

"We wait to see what happens in 2019."

Cllr Ray Nottage added: "It is not the right time and we should not proceed."

The vote not to increase was unanimous.