PROPOSALS for allowances for councillors elected to the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council are about two-thirds of what is being considered for the rest of the county, it is understood.

Members of task and finish groups – set up to review specific policies or services – are believed to have agreed on a £9,000-a-year allowance for councillors on the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council.

The rate would be in line with the basic sum awarded to each Bournemouth and Poole councillor last year of between £9,000 and £10,000.

However, councillors in the new Dorset area are expected to receive about 50 per cent more with an annual allowance of about £13,000 being considered.

Basic allowances are paid to all councillors with extra given to members who have responsibilities, including cabinet positions, on top of their ward councillor work.

Proposed allowances will be considered by a renumeration panel and could be formally agreed when the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole shadow authority approves its constitution in February.