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The Liberal Democrat Group on Kent County Council voted against the increase.

But the Tory controlled council easily won the vote 64 to 8 with one abstention.

The report was put forward by the Independent Remuneration Panel, and recommended basic allowances rise from £12,000 to £13,000 a year.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Trudy Dean said after the meeting: "After the expenses scandals of our MPs over the last few weeks, we need to be absolutely straightforward with voters. Amazingly, it seems the Conservatives have learnt nothing from the last few weeks. It's an insult to the voters."

She said KCC should be prepared to allow the public a say before any increase was voted through, but County Council leader Paul Carter dismissed the call that it should be delayed until the public could be given a chance to have a say.

The rise in basic allowance puts Kent county councillors  among some of the country's best-paid local politicians.