[garinda]

The Observer did their duty in giving the facts, as far as I see it.

The original story did mention that the increases had been recommended by an independent review body.

Just as they also mentioned that some councillors voted for to award the increases, and some didn't.

I wonder why Peter Britcliffe voted for increases of such a great percentage hike, when he's proved that he could both accommodate and feed himself in our most expensive city, for much less than the voted for increases?

Would our councillors not have been wiser to vote for a lesser increase than the independent review suggested, thus showing the rest of the residents of Hyndburn that they understand the need for restraint in this financial crisis?

The lack of understanding of people's feeling on this matter, when many people are struggling, and many fear unemployment, nevermind if they are in work having to settle for pay freezes or cuts, makes those councillors who voted for the increases look like they have very little understanding of the real world.