CONSERVATIVES are calling on the ruling Labour group at Blackburn town hall to cut a £250,000 budget set aside for a controversial package of perks.

The Tories say the cash earmarked to assist councillors should be the first money to be slashed following news that the town hall could be forced into budget cuts.

Finance bosses are warning that services will be under threat next year because of the move to single status and the new Government's decision to continue capping councils.

The main opposition party stayed silent when the perks were first introduced by the Labour group on Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The £250,000 is being used to buy mobile phones and computers for councillors, take on extra staff to run an improved support service and provide each councillor with a daily copy of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Councillors' office accommodation will be upgraded and extra cash has been set aside for travelling expenses.

The decision followed an increase in members' expense allowances but the only councillor to criticise the package at the time was Liberal Democrat leader Paul Browne.

Conservative group leader Jim Hirst said: "We have identified the costs of the new "Members' Services" as the first target for possible savings, rather than areas of service deliveries to the public.

"This follows the warning of likely cash shortages when Blackburn becomes a unitary authority and the need to seek options for budget reductions."

Coun Hirst added: "The expansion of members' services is good in parts but a reduction of councillors' requirements could reduce the overall costs of the package."

A Conservative motion to review the changes to members' services was defeated at a strategy committee meeting.

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