WHAT a case of bad timing. Members of City of York Council are set to award themselves a pay rise of 11 per cent, plus improved pensions rights.

All this just as taxpayers are being asked how they would make savings amounting to £1 million. The merits or otherwise of such a pay rise are beside the point. This is simply not the time to be asking for more money.

Councillors' pay is not a top priority at present. Sorting out that financial black hole is more important.