Because of an anticipated council tax increase, county council leader, Ken Thornber, says he will refuse a pay rise and he wants his colleagues to do the same.

"I think it would sit badly with the public if I accepted more money at the same time as council tax goes up by 15%," he said.

"I was horrified over the last few years to see my colleagues in the House of Commons award themselves increases way above inflation," he added.

County members are considering a rise of 3.5% in their allowances for the next financial year, coupled with an additional 3% held over from last year.

The recommendation for the combined package of 6.5% comes from the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The county's standards board, made up of four councillors and two lay members, passed the panel's recommendations for this year to the full council, which will meet on Thursday, February 20th.

Patrick Pierce, who chairs the standards committee, said after the meeting Mr Thornber's decision to refuse a rise was "a matter of individual choice".

"Any other members who decide to do that can raise their opinions at the full council meeting next month," he said.

Mr Thornber intends to make his case at the full council, arguing that members should reject the deal of 6.5%.

"I shall be urging the council to, at the very least, turn down the 3% deferred from last year," he said.

Mr Thornber added that, to his knowledge, no other members had announced an intention not to accept the increase.

If council members accept a rise of 3.5%, their basic allowances will rise from £10,300 to £10,660.

Cabinet members currently receive a special responsibility allowance of £15,000. This would rise by £1,000 with the combined 6.5% deal.

Mr Thornber currently receives £35,000 as council leader.