LIBERAL Democrat plans to give their surplus council expenses to charity have been blasted as an election gimmick.

The group wants to end the system of sharing out remaining cash in Blackburn councillors' expenses budget at the end of each year.

But, when they renewed their call at a full council meeting, the ruling Labour group refused to budge.

Coun David Foster claimed a lot of other councils put the cash back into coffers to be spent somewhere else, and added his group would be giving their share to charity.

But Labour Coun Mike Madigan claimed: "This is a cheap election gimmick."

And council leader Coun Malcolm Doherty defended the system which, he said, was developed after cash ran out in January one year.

"We cut attendance allowances to ensure cash would not run out.

"This was to protect those people who were on committees where they might have to take up to two days off work. It is money that they are genuinely entitled to.

"I have no compunction in claiming money for the service I give.

"People in this group will make their own decisions about what they do and will keep their decisions private. It is a matter for their own consciences."

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