by political editor Paul Francis

County councillors could be taking a pay cut as part of a squeeze on spending that means Kent County Council has to save £95m this year.

Around £200,000 is to be cut from the budget for allowances that are claimed by KCC’s 84 elected members - equivalent to an 11 per cent reduction.

Last year, the bill for members' allowances was £1.8m. The bulk of the money was for basic allowances paid to each county councillor, along with special responsibility payments to cabinet members and other senior members.

Now County Hall chiefs have confirmed they are examining ways in which they can cut the bill, including reductions to existing payments.

Cllr John Simmonds (Con), KCC’s cabinet member for finance, said it was important for councillors to do what they could to help save money at a time when they were presiding over budget cuts.

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An across-the-board cut for all members was one possibility.

He said:"We feel it is right that when staff are feeling the pressure and the public is too that members take some responsibility for saving money themselves.

"We are looking at a whole range of different options, inclduing the basic allowance. There may be fewer special responsibility allowances."

Savings may also come from slimming down the size of KCC’s cabinet - the main political decision-making body - in line with an on-going shake-up that will reduce the number of directorates.

There could also be fewer deputy cabinet members.

Other areas where money might be saved were in travel and support staff for members, he added.

Although allowances are set by an independent panel, KCC would be within its rights to agree to lower payments.

Councillors voted in 2009 for an increase recommended by the panel that was worth eight per cent over four years.

The current levels mean all receive a basic allowance of £12,766 while cabinet members receive an additional £27,036.