Cornwall Council has voted to freeze allowances, but - in what I think looks like a cynical ploy by the Conservatives - the freeze will only apply for a year.
The debate went along party lines and, in the end, just nine councillors voted in favour of higher allowances. Those nine were independents and included cabinet members Julian German, Neil Burden, Mark Kaczmarek and Graeme Hicks.
But the Lib Dem amendment to freeze allowances for the full term of the council (in line with our manifesto pledge) was defeated by a combination of Conservatives and Independents. To me, that seems like a cynical ploy to put off a hugely unpopular rise until after the general election.
Another Lib Dem amendment, to restrict the number of special payments a councillor can receive was also rejected. At present, councillors can take each allowance to which they are entitled. So Alec Robertson receives an allowance as Leader of the Council and also an allowance as Conservative Group Leader.
I can promise that, when this subject is raised again next year, I will continue to vote to freeze allowances.
UPDATE: My colleague Jeremy Rowe has added his own thoughts
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