COUNCILLORS could receive bumper increases in their annual allowances from next May.

The Council Leader's special-responsibility fee is set to go up by about 30 per cent to £28,800, and councillors' basic allowances will rise from £6,330 to £6,913, if recommendations were last night given the go-ahead.

Recommendations following an independent panel's in-depth review means if Leigh councillor Lord Smith is still at the helm next year, he will receive a total of £34,913.

New government regulations resulted in an impartial non-councillor review panel made up of three representatives from business, voluntary and trade union sectors of the community.

The panel considered a wide range of evidence, including an insight into the time and commitment expected from back-bench councillors.

Their report stated: "We have considered the fact that our proposals reflect a percentage increase in excess of that which some people in employment could expect.

"However we were of the opinion that our proposals are justified. It is in the public interest that people of high calibre and integrity are able to devote their time to take properly informed decisions on matters involving local democracy and governance."

The recommendations which were yesterday due to be considered by the full council include:

An increase in basic allowance paid to all councillors from £6,330 to £6,913.

The panel felt that the current figure made of up two elements, attendance at meetings and undertaking constituency and public duties, should both be increased.

It felt council duties remain onerous and most elected members now attend lengthy quasi-judicial or investigative meetings.

An increase in special responsibility allowances (SRA) for councillors who hold cabinet positions, chairs and vice chairs of committees, the Leader of the Opposition, special interest and link members.

Under the recommendations, the leader will receive an SRA of £28,800 (from 21,734), while the deputy leader and cabinet members will receive £12,480 (currently 10,867).

The chairman of the scrutiny committee will receive £3,600, select committee chairman £2,880 and special interest members, link members and the leader of the opposition £1,440.

Future annual increases in allowances should be in line with the average male non-manual wage.

For the first time, the panel is also recommending that allowances be paid to council members who care for dependent relatives.

The report will be available for public inspection and whatever figures were yesterday agreed will only come into effect in May when the council formally adopts its new executive structure.