BIG increases in expenses for Blackburn and Darwen councillors have been called a disgrace.

Liberal Democrat leader Paul Browne described the decision to bring in the massive rises as "sleazy" at a meeting called to approve the changes.

The move means the basic allowance each member of Blackburn with Darwen Council can claim will soar from just over £300 to £3,060.

Party leaders and committee chairmen are also due a large increases along with opposition leaders.

The only fall comes in the amount councillors are paid for attending meetings which drops by £4.

The new expenses were recommended by an independent panel appointed to review the allowance structure.

The move means the town's expenses budget is set to more than double to £340,000.

Coun Paul Browne said: "I am opposed to these increases 100 per cent, I think it is a total disgrace. "I have been talking to lots of people out there in Blackburn and Darwen and they think it is completely wrong.

But Labour councillors took it in turns to hit back at the criticism.

Newly appointed social services chairman Sue Reid said: "Councillor Browne is a complete and total hypocrite.

"I had a conversation with him six months ago and I distinctly remember him saying he didn't get paid enough and councillors should get £14,000 a year."

She added: "We don't live in a world were everyone works set hours any more. It is about time councillors are given the respect they deserve. This is not about getting easy headlines in the papers.

The Conservative group did not speak during the debate but supported the recommendations along with the Labour Party.

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