JUST days after hearing that the county council is going to be strapped for cash next year, councillors are to vote on proposals to increase their allowances by almost 30 per cent.

JUST days after hearing that the county council is going to be strapped for cash next year, councillors are to vote on proposals to increase their allowances by almost 30 per cent.

An independent review has recommended that their pay should go up from £7,002 a year to £9,000 a year - and that leader Jeremy Pembroke should see his allowance increase to £31,500 a year.

They will decide on whether to accept the increase at next week's full council meeting. For the full story and reaction, see Friday's Evening Star.