A DECISION by Maidstone councillors to increase their allowances by 77 per cent has made them the highest paid in Kent.

Councillors adopted the recommendations of an independent review of their allowances, despite several members' concerns.

The move will cost borough taxpayers more than £140,000 a year and means a rise in the basic allowance paid to all 55 members from £2,340 to £4,135. That is more than £1,000 above the national average and £200 more than the next highest in Kent.

Those with added responsibilities such as cabinet members and chairman of the planning committee will see special allowances rise by between 20 and 50 per cent.

Political group leaders' extra income will rise from £1,050 to £10,300, and the leader of the council's extra allowance will double to £20,675.