THE recession seems to be over for councillors in the Epping Forest District who could be in line for a 50 per cent pay rise.

Next week the council’s pay advisers will be considering whether to recommend an increase in their basic allowance from £3,150 to £4,500.

The proposals would also see allowances for cabinet members rise from £6,300 to £7,388 on top of the basic allowance, and that of the council leader go from £7,875 to £11,547.

Despite the recommendations, a number of councillors have said they would vote against any pay increase offered to them.

Independent Loughton councillor Stephen Murray said: “I wouldn't be in favour of it. In the current climate the remuneration is about right. I've always taken the view that we are here for the community. As long as the remuneration covers expenses that's ok. We become councillors out of public duty not out of a wish to gain money.”

The recommended increase comes after a survey last year found the average basic allowance for district councillors around eastern England was £4,505.

The council’s remuneration panel is due to meet next Monday (November 9) to consider whether to recommend the allowances be brought up to this figure in Epping Forest.

Council cabinet member Richard Bassett said he didn't think his colleagues would accept an increase whatever the recommendation.

He said: “I think personally if you become a councillor you're not doing it for the money. I don't think we'll take it to be honest. We have got to lead by example. We get enough for what we're doing. I'm quite happy with what we're getting at the moment.”

The Guardian recently revealed that the council failed to collect £1.7m of expected council tax in 2008-09.

Earlier this year the council also announced plans to scrap some recycling centres in the district to save £10,000.

Lorraine Collier, of St John's Road, in Epping, who opposed that move said: “This is very bad timing, We have had so many stories about politicians with their snouts in the trough. It shows how out of touch with the public they are.

“I suppose you have to pay some sort of allowance or some people might not come forward, but these people don't do it as a job. It depends what we're getting out of it. If they're getting out there for the community then ok but if it's just about their ego it's no good.”