POLITICIANS in Wrexham have voiced strong objections to receiving a pay increase at a time when they are faced with making cuts of £9 million.

However, they are still likely to receive an increase of around £800 for executive board members and just under £270 for those on a basic salary as the decision is made by an independent body.

The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales has made the recommendations in its draft annual report.

A number of councillors in Wrexham complained they had received a backlash from members of the public for a decision which was outside their control.

Cllr Rob Walsh (Lib Dem) criticised the panel and called on its members to set a pay freeze as the authority considers difficult proposals, including reducing the frequency of bin collections and closing some libraries.

He told Wrexham Council’s democratic services committee: “This is very disappointing considering the settlement we’ve just had.

“It’s not just about money in my view. It’s public confidence.

“For the first time I’ve had people in my ward phone me up and say ‘What’s going on here?’

“There’s still this misconception that we set our pay rises.

“I do agree that it should be set by an independent body but I think they need a wake-up call. It doesn’t bode well with the public.

“We need to show solidarity with the public and say that this is not the right time for this.”

If councillors do receive the pay rise they have the individual choice of whether to accept, reject or give it to a charity or other organisation.

Members of the Labour group said they would be donating their increase to charity.

Whitegate councillor Brian Cameron said he disagreed with Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, who claimed earlier this week that austerity was over.

He said: “Now is not the right time, there’s people bleeding out there and I know what it’s like also to have pay freezes.

“I also know what it’s like to lead a campaign for pay rises, but this is not the right time.”

However, Conservative group member Beverley Parry-Jones said she agreed with the pay boost.

She added  she felt it was right that the panel had the final say.

She said: “I do listen to the public, I listen to my residents as well.

“What I would counter-argue that with is, would any resident in any ward not take a pay rise with their job? I suggest they wouldn’t.

“I don’t see why councillors shouldn’t be reimbursed for the work that goes into their ward to make it a better place.”

Council leader Mark Pritchard (Ind) also said he 'embraced’ the panel’s existence and hoped it would continue to set pay scales.

“The most important thing is we as elected members are not included at all,” he said.

“That should be set by this body and long may it continue.

“Whether you agree to take the pay rise is up to you.”

Councillors voted in favour of writing to the panel to express their disappointment with four in favour and Cllr Parry-Jones the only one against.

Cllrs Bill Baldwin (Ind) and Barrie Warburton (Ind) abstained as they wanted to see the content of the letter first.