LIBERAL Democrat leader Coun Paul Scriven today pledged not to increase spending on councillors' allowances - despite increasing the number of cabinet posts.
The number of senior positions on Sheffield Council is being increased from eight under Labour to 10 by the new administration.
Cabinet members receive £20,500 a year, compared with £11,300 paid to backbench councillors.
The move is being made
despite a Lib Dem pledge to cut spending on bureaucracy, which is set to result in the number of council managers being reduced.
But Coun Scriven, who receives a total allowance of £29,700 as leader, said: "No extra resources are being used. We will cover the cost by reducing the amount spent on members' expenses for things like travel, subsistence or conference arrangements."
Coun Scriven, whose administration formally takes over next Wednesday, after a sweeping victory at the recent election, added: "We expanded the cabinet because we believe 10 minds are better than eight, to get the best decisions. Previously under the Lib Dems, there were 10 posts."
Outgoing Labour council leader Coun Jan Wilson said her party has not yet decided its shadow cabinet. Posts are expected to be announced next week.
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