Councillors in Worthing are being asked to vote themselves a 100 per cent pay rise.

Members of Worthing Borough Council now claim about £75,000 a year in allowances but local government changes mean a further £80,500 of taxpayers' money could go into councillors' pockets.

The council's Independent Remuneration Panel said the pay rise was necessary after the old committee system was replaced by a leader and Cabinet system.

The panel's recommendations, to be considered by councillors on October 11, include a basic allowance of £3,000 a year to every member of the council.

This would be boosted by payments of between £400 and £5,000 for additional responsibilities.

It is also recommended that a carer's allowance should be paid to members with children or elderly or sick relatives while they are away on council business.

A panel spokesman said: "We have been very impressed by the time, commitment and energy given by councillors.

"We acknowledge that public service, rather than material reward, should remain the primary motivation for involvement in local government.

"We believe, however, that the new allowance scheme will go some way towards compensating existing members, while hopefully attracting other potential members to stand for election without suffering financially."

The council said Worthing would still be paying less than most neighbouring authorities.

Conservative leader Councillor Brian Lynn said: "Members give a lot of their time for little or no reward."