TWO Labour county councillors have launched a scathing attack on plans for an inflation-busting pay rise - and promised not to take their money.

Durham County Councillors Phil Graham and Paul Tripett described the 13 per cent increase in allowances as "immoral" in the wake of a 25 per cent rise in council tax bills and plans to close 23 schools.

The Northern Echo revealed last week that most of Durham County Council's 61 members are planning to vote themselves a rise of about £1,000 a year in their basic allowances, currently at £7,206.

But the two councillors feel so strongly against the rise they have publicly branded the proposals "insensitive".

The pair say they will refuse to take the rise for themselves and will give it back to their wards for small environmental projects if it is voted in at a full council meeting on June 27.

Coun Trippett, who represents Trimdon, said: "Last year we were closing old folks homes and we asked people to understand.

"This year we're going to close schools - something which has to be done - but we've got to get people on our side, not alienate them by giving ourselves a 13 per cent rise.

"There's absolutely no way I can take the money and I'm not going to."

Coun Graham, who represents Coundon, said: "This isn't an attack against our Labour Party colleagues but we just feel it would be immoral. I feel it's insensitive to accept any further rise until such time as we can offer council taxpayers a nil per cent rise in their bills."

The councillors voted against the proposals, which have been made by an independent panel, at their recent Labour group meeting.

County Council leader Ken Manton last night hit back at suggestions that a rise would be immoral. This year's council tax increase was the fifth lowest of any authority in the country, he said.

The school closures were part of a £300m education plan to create world class schools in the county.

He said councillors were working harder than ever before and were to local government what MPs were to central government.

"There seems to be a lingering belief in some quarters that councillors are 'in it for the money' and an expectancy that they should do what they do without any recompense whatsoever," he said.

"They are both voted into office to do a job and it is right that they receive remuneration for it."