HUGE allowance rises could be on the way for Burnley councillors after an independent panel recommended increases of 60 per cent.

But members are likely to refuse to accept the rise and instead opt for an allowance increase in line with inflation.

Last year, members of Burnley Council were due to receive a 60 per cent rise following a similar review but ruled it would be wrong because of sweeping cuts in funding in the borough.

A report by the Independent Remuneration Panel, which was discussed at last night's full council meeting, recommends that the basic allowance paid to all councillors should rise from £1,292 to £2,100.

It also suggests rises in the special responsibility allowance and recommends a rise from £5,168 for the council leader, from £1,292 to £2,100 for the deputy and from £1,938 to £3,150 for executive members.

The report also suggests the introduction of a payment of a dependent carers' allowance of £4 per hour to councillors who lose out in paying for care for children or dependents while on council duty.

If adopted, the new scheme would come into effect in September.

The cost of the basic and special responsibility allowances would be an extra £29,000 on the council budget.

Burnley councillors are paid less than councillors in other areas. In Blackburn with Darwen, for example, the basic for all councillors is now £5,149, up from £4,975 from last year.

But despite the discrepancy, Burnley members look set to knock back the recommendations and opt for an index linked rise of around 3.5 per cent.

Coun Peter Kenyon, executive member for best value and resources, said: "At this stage the report is just for information and discussion with a decision due in September.

"However, it is more than likely the recommendations will be rejected once again given the budget cuts the council has had to make."