This year Torfaen County Borough Council approved the adoption  of the annual increases in allowances permitted by the WAG regulations. However, members of the Labour Group decided to forgo the increase in view of the recession and the current financial climate.

However, members of the other parties accepted the increases including the 3 New Inn Conservative Members.The non Labour Members of Torfaen Council were accused of being hypocritics in view of previou sfalse accusions made against the Labour Members.

Cllr Fred Wildgust has been accused of misleading members of the public in stating that he does not claim expenses. This may be correct but he does receive his annual member's allowance of £10k+ as payment for his work as a councillor.

A spokesman said that the public often confuse the allowance payable to all elected Members of the Counbcil with expenses with are additional costs incurred in undertaking certain duties such as travel etc.The latter would vary considerably depending on the activities and duties of the individual councillor.