Goring Councillor Kevin Bulmer told a taxpayer who asked how he voted after a 19 per cent hike in their allowance: First tell me your salary and pension details.

Andy Beal, from Oxford, messaged 20 councillors, six days after Oxford County Councillors voted to increase the basic allowance by 19 per cent.

Just days after they had to cut the council's budget by £20 million.

The 56-year-old asked the elected councillors: “Can you tell me if you a) Voted for the recent allowance rise and b) If you have accepted it?”

Deputy leader Rodney Rose who voted in favour of increasing his own allowances, replied: ‘No real objection to answering your questions, but prior to doing that, can you tell me YOUR salary level, pension arrangements etc.’

And councillor for Goring division, Kevin Bulmer replied to Mr Beal stating: “You’re obviously entitled to assume what you like. However how I voted is a matter of public record and it can be obtained from OCC. I’d also be interested to receive details of your salary, pension, allowances etc.”

Mr Beal, who is a facilities manager and pays £1,200 a year in council tax, said: “I thought I would just email them and see what response I got. I asked them a simple question. They work for the council so what have they got to hide?

“I couldn’t understand what they came back with. What’s it got to do with them what I earn? It’s just the arrogance of their replies that got to me.

“I don’t get any expenses and no bonuses. I get a £10 Christmas voucher.”

The allowances, which are not salaries, are paid to elected councillors to make up for any wages they might lose out through time spent on council duties. The money comes from the public purse.