Lewisham councillors unanimously rejected a nine per cent pay increase last night (September 17).

As revealed by News Shopper last week, independent adviser for London Councils Sir Rodney Brookes had proposed increasing basic councillor allowances from £9,812 to 10,703.

Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock's pay would increase from £77,722 to £81,839 while committee chairs and cabinet members would also receive a large rise.

But at a meeting in Deptford Green School, councillors rejected the proposals - meaning their pay will have been frozen for 11 years by the end of the current administration.

Lewisham Council is currently facing a budget squeeze, having to find savings of around £85m over three years.

Sir Steve said: "Our councillors aren’t in it for the money – they’re passionate and dedicated people who want to make a difference for the local community."

A budget simulator, allowing you to make the cuts, is online at lewisham.gov.uk