HAVING read the remarks of Blackburn with Darwen Council's chief executive Phil Watson (Letters, August 31), I have one or two questions for him and councillors, from an ordinary citizen who pays council tax.

Will he confirm that he will not expect an increase in salary for administration of a city replacing a town? (What will the difference be for a person like myself?).

Will all the councillors state to the electorate that they will not expect bigger allowances in the same situation?

I am old enough to remember when councillors were volunteers and, I might add, did a very good job.

Why do the present councillors get such big allowances and telephones. I am waiting with bated breath for a commonsense answer.

S SCOTT, Kinross Walk, Blackburn.

Footnote: Mr Watson replied: "I can confirm that I will not be asking for any increase in salary if we gain city status. I cannot speak on behalf of all 62 councillors, but as city status brings no additional finance to the borough directly and no additional powers, I think it unlikely that any increase in allowances would be sought for this reason."

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