A Borough Council is looking for people to join an independent panel to consider the payments made to councillors.

Gateshead borough's 66 councillors all receive a basic flat-rate allowance, but those who have extra responsibilities are paid additional allowances.

Every local authority decides its own allowance scheme, but Government rules mean that a council cannot change a scheme until it has considered the recommendations of an independent panel.

Gateshead Council is looking for four people to join the Independent Remuneration Programme for three years.

For information contact Gillian Kelly on 0191-433 2148 or Jonathan Rew on 0191-433 2120.