8:33am Wednesday 14th May 2008
By Gareth Dunning
THE expenses bill for Warrington's 57 councillors could reach almost £700,000 next year if new plans are given the go ahead.
The elected members of Warrington Borough Council will be given a report on Monday at the annual council meeting from an independent panel recommending an increase of almost 10 per cent on the amount claimed last year.
Under the new figures, the council leader, Clr Ian Marks, would earn a little more than £25,000 a year, the deputy leader Clr Keith Bland around £23,000 and opposition leader Clr Terry O'Neill would pick up around £16,000.
Executive board members would enjoy hikes of £6,000 to take them to around £21,000.
The standard rate for councillors will be £6,614 - a 10 per cent drop from the current total.
Councillors do not have to claim the expenses allocated to them.
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