LOCAL councillors are to receive a flat rate £6,000 a year allowance.

The change, from expenses based on meetings attended, has been recommended in the Government's draft Local Government Bill published recently, and had all-party endorsement at last month's Policy Committee.

Leader, Cllr Peter Smith, said: " The level of allowances was determined by an independent review body with representatives from the business community, trade unions and the voluntary sector.

"In reaching their decision they looked at the Government's changing role for councillors, and compared the levels agreed by a range of other councils, bearing in mind Wigan's size both in population and budget.

"The Government is encouraging councils to abolish attendance allowances in favour of a flat rate scheme because they see it as an essential part of the transition towards attending fewer meetings in favour of a stronger role for councillors in their own communities."

In a report to the annual meeting of the council, acting borough treasurer, Ian Kell, said: "The figure reflects both the time and expense incurred by councillors in carrying out their council duties and their increasingly demanding role in representing the interests of their constituents through consultation and bringing the views of their communities to bear on council decisions."

Mr Kell confirmed that the district auditor - the Government's spending watchdog - had been consulted over the changes, adding: " He has acknowledged the council's progress towards complying with this aspect of the Government's agenda on local government management structures."

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