Councillors in Allerdale have rejected a proposal that would have seen their allowances increase by £100 a year, in light of the pressures being faced by residents due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At their full council meeting on Wednesday evening, Allerdale Council members unanimously agreed not to adopt the increase to their basic allowance, which had been recommended by an independent panel.

Executive member for policy, governance and people resources, Conservative Marion Fitzgerald explained that the independent panel given the task of reviewing councillor allowances had stated that "despite the pandemic, the accountabilities and responsibilities of elected members remained, and in some cases, the pandemic has brought about more issues and workload, including new ways of working".

"The panel also noted that the basic allowance is to allow for personal time and expense," Mrs Fitzgerald explained, adding that the panel had suggested that "the transition to home working, and the increased use of utilities, may incur additional costs for members".

However, Mrs Fitzgerald did not make a recommendation to the council for the adoption of the increase, and Labour councillor Alan Smith proposed that the increase be rejected.

"This past 12 months we've seen the Covid pandemic in both local and national has created dire situations for certain members of our society," said Mr Smith, who represents the All Saints Cockermouth ward.

"I would like councillors to forgo their £100 remuneration increase."

Mr Smith thanked the independent panel for their work in reviewing councillor allowances.

Independent councillor for St Michael's ward in Workington, Will Wilkinson, voiced his strong support for Mr Smith's proposal, adding that he had called for a rejection of an increase in councillor allowances almost a year ago.

"It's immoral for us to take this money," he said. "People out there are suffering. They've lost their jobs. They are the ones who are going to have to pay this."

No councillor spoke against the suggestion to reject the increase, and the proposal was agreed to unanimously.

Mr Smith also suggested that Mrs Fitzgerald work with council officers to prepare an addition to the upcoming budget, which will be decided on in March, setting aside £4,900 to be used for "community purposes" such as helping to support local foodbank efforts.

Mrs Fitzgerald said she was "very happy" to pick up Mr Smith's suggestion as part of the budget-setting process.