Brent councillors will receive a two per cent increase to their allowances as part of next year’s financial plan.

At a council meeting last night, elected representatives voted by a comfortable margin to increase the scheme – just seven councillors voted against the proposals, while one abstained.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “This is in line with inflation and the costs councillors have to deal with. It will help them support residents at their time of need.”

The changes mean that a Brent councillor’s basic allowance – which all members are entitled to take – jumps from £12,000 to £12,240.

An increase was hardly surprising, given that it is recommended by the Local Government Pay Inflation Settlement.

But Cllr Michael Maurice – a Conservative opposition councillor who voted against the proposals – questioned the wisdom of raising allowances at a time when the council is under serious financial strain.

The council pointed out that the increase, which could cost more than £15,000, is fully-accounted for in the 2019/20 budget.