The leader of a Labour-ruling city council could get a pay rise of around 25% despite a recent increase in council tax. Other roles, such as the deputy leader and cabinet members, could also see an increase in their allowances.

Mike Stonard, Leader of Norwich City Council, could have his allowance increased from £20,813 to £25,843 following the recommendation of an independent panel. Meanwhile, the basic allowances for councillors could rise by nearly £2,000. It comes despite the authority opting to increase council tax by 2.99% earlier this year.

As reported by the Eastern Daily Press, there are also question marks over the authority’s finances. According to leaked documents, the council’s housing firm Lion Homes was put into liquidation after losing £5 million in five years, with Norwich City Council having to write off a £6.1 million loan to the company.

As well as Mr Stonard’s increase in allowances, deputy leader Emma Hampton could benefit from a pay rise of almost £4,000. It has also been recommended to give cabinet members a rise of £2,258, from £6,505 to £8,763.

Some locals have commented on the Eastern Daily Press article, with Colin Chilvers asking: “And the increase on Council Tax to pay for it – is it?”

Joshua Jones added: “One asks will the illustrious leader show his or her true mettle and state, ‘that’s all rather nice and thank you but no I don’t deserve it and therefore will not be taking it. Best we spend the money on the taxpayer who surely deserves the money, far more than me’.”

Pliny wrote: “I am hearing that each outraged comment on this topic will increase it by an extra 1%.”

Purple Doris put: “Should be granted on one condition. We are given a satisfactory answer to why and where our £6m went they lost on the green housing deal that turned messy and a date when we will be getting our money back. Fairs fair.”

Norwich City Council is set to undertake an independent review of its allowances this year. The potential changes, which were set to be voted on by councillors today (Tuesday, November 25).

As part of the review, 70% of serving councillors said the current basic allowance was too low. One member claimed most people “cannot afford” to do the role due to the current allowances.The councillors were set to vote on the proposals

Elsewhere, there are proposals to increase the pay of Conwy County Council leader, in Wales, by more than £4,000 and the deputy’s by over £3,000. The changes would see the leader’s salary will increase from £66,727 to £71,025, while the deputy leader’s salary will increase from £46,709 to £49,717.

However, one councillor said she was “uncomfortable” with the rise. Llandudno councillor Mandy Hawkins (Labour) said: “Our own workers (council workers) themselves are not getting that increase as well as a lot of people across Wales.”

She added: “I know it is up to individual councillors what they do, so that’s fine, and I’ll do what I’ve always done. But because of that, it sits uncomfortably with me at this time.”