A council could increase in size by 25% at the next election despite concerns it will cost taxpayers an extra £100,000 per year.

Canterbury City Council (CCC) members voted last week to recommend upping the number of councillors from 39 to 49 when voters next head to the polls in 2027.

Supporters of the move from within the Labour-Lib Dem coalition, which has been leading the authority since May, say that it will fix the “democratically deficient” ratio of voters to councillors.

But opponents argue it will place “greater burden on the taxpayer” for little return.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) contacted the council to look into reviewing the number of members due to population changes.

The LGBCE sets minimum and maximum numbers of residents which can be represented by individual councillors and will now review the council’s proposals.

Originally the cabinet had recommended that the number increase from 39 to 43.

But at the full council meeting last Thursday (July 20), leader Alan Baldock (Lab) proposed 49 instead.

Cllr Baldock said: “We believe there’s more to being a councillor than just being somebody that reports somebody’s bin for them.

“I totally agree that’s absolutely fine, but we believe being a councillor is actually being in there and amongst your own communities, supporting your communities in the things they do, supporting your communities to grow, to thrive, supporting business, supporting enterprise.

“Everything that goes with life in your ward and in your council and in your district needs your attention.”

He argued that increasing councillor numbers would more evenly spread work with residents across members.

Council reports tell of how the district’s electorate as of May 2023 was 108,398, but with new developments coming forward it is expected to be 128,312 by 2029.

The authority previously had 50 members, but was reduced down to its current 39 at the 2015 local election.

Councillors from across the coalition administration backed the proposal but the suggestion was criticised by opposition Conservative members.

Cllr Charlotte Cornell (Lab) said the numbers show CCC is “democratically deficient in the way that we represent our residents compared to other councils of comparable sizes.”

However, despite the projected 20,000 increase in population, the council’s Conservatives opposed any change fearing a public backlash.

“We cannot justify increasing the number of councillors and putting a greater burden on the taxpayer,” said opposition leader Cllr Rachel Carnac (Con)

“If there are greater resources available that should be spent on providing the services that our residents rely on such as better bin collections, keeping the district clean, more enforcement, providing local temporary accommodation and better grounds maintenance.”

After the meeting, Cllr Dan Watkins (Con) speculated the change could cost an extra £100,000 per year based on additional councillor allowances, inflation, National Insurance contributions and extra officer time needed.

The council voted by 28 in favour and 8 against to recommend to the LGBCE that Canterbury have 49 councillors.