AS A Trafford resident I am flabbergasted at the news of the leader’s allowance increase at a time when the council is facing massive cuts as part of the government’s austerity agenda and is making staff redundant and privatising its services in an effort to reduce costs.

We have had repeated reports of council overspending and failure to control its budget, meaning that additional savings have had to be found from local services.

Despite this we are told that Cllr Anstee deserves a pay rise.

I have to say that this is the most preposterous and unacceptable proposition I have ever heard.

It shows a complete lack of judgement on behalf of the councillors who apparently voted this through and on behalf of Cllr Anstee in accepting it.

As an elected councillor, he is not an employee, and as such is eligible for an allowance not a salary.

You might think I am arguing about terminology but it is clear being a councillor is a voluntary role and not a career choice.

It is something people should do because they believe in public service not an opportunity for personal gain.

Comparisons with what other council leaders are paid is an ineffective and way of deciding what level of allowance to pay.

I do not accept the proposition the role of a council leader has to be full-time.

Having worked in this sector myself – including with many council leaders and other senior councillors – I have seen some of the most effective combine these duties with their day job, which can bring additional skills and insights to the role of leader.

I think Cllr Anstee should look further at the cost of himself and other councillors.

Local residents have had absolutely no say in this decision, and it was only presented to us after it was made.

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