Members could get pay rise of almost £2,600

The increase is being recommended by an independent panel who suggest annual basic allowances should rise from £7,192.50 to £9,777.28 and a rise in the council leader’s special responsibility allowance from £23,520 to £29,331.

The proposals come at a time when York Council is having to enforce cuts totalling £19.7m over the next two years on annual operating costs of about £124m.

Basic allowance rates in York are currently lower than many authorities according to a recent survey by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.

But last night Jonathan Isaby, political director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: “Regardless of the independence of the panel which came up with these crazy figures, York councillors must reject these proposals if they are to have the moral authority to oversee the necessary savings in the years ahead.

“The fact that the city’s councillors are not currently taking as much in allowances as counterparts elsewhere should be a matter of pride that they are delivering better value for money, not an excuse to fleece York council taxpayers for yet more cash.”

Andrew Docherty, the council’s assistant director for governance and ICT said it was required to appoint a review panel every four years.

Mr Docherty added: “The current scheme of allowances was adopted in 2008. The report will be presented to full Council who will consider the recommendations within the report.”