Hyndburn's council leader says he’s worth every penny. Councillor Peter Britcliffe received almost £21,000 last year for leading the majority group, at least £7,000 more than equivalent council chiefs in Ribble Valley, Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle.

He also received more than the leaders of Blackburn with Darwen, Preston, and Rochdale councils.

Last year Councillor Britcliffe claimed a further £9,993, including his basic allowance, various special responsibility allowances (SRAs) and £808 in mileage expenses. This took his total claim to £30,952. In addition to the £20,959 for the leader, Hyndburn’s deputy leader(s) claims £10,480, and the opposition leader £6,747. In Burnley, the amounts paid are £11,800, £2,950 and £1,475.

Councillor Britcliffe said: "The allowance I get is set by an independent pay review body according to the work that we do. We have a very hard working leader and cabinet." He added: "I work full time and attend evening meetings. I feel that I work very hard for Hyndburn residents and since last year the amount claimed has actually reduced in total."

The cabinet approved a package of changes increasing the leader’s potential allowance by some £5,000 three years ago. That ignored the independent remuneration panel’s recommendation limiting SRAs to one payment.

Former Independent councillor Nick Collingridge said: "If you analyse Coun Britcliffe’s expenses, he can claim for being leader, and chairman of several things. But the Independent group (of councillors) believe people should not be able to claim for more than one allowance, so if you chair two committees you only claim for one."