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MERSEYSIDE Police Authority's members yesterday voted in new allowances at an extra cost of pounds 122,000 per year.
They agreed to switch from an hourly rate following a national review into the way allowances are paid.
The money will be paid directly into members' bank accounts, like a salary.
Members opted yesterday to swap to the new system, which will come out of the budget.
They claim the increase reflects their responsibilities and the hours they put in. But last night Coun Mike Storey, Liverpool city council leader, attacked the rise and claimed it could have paid for more police officers.
He said: "They need to look at their priorities, do they want to use money for allowances or do they want more officers on the beat?
"I'm...