Axminster councillors have acknowledged that allowing members to draw an allowance may encourage a wider and more diverse selection of residents to stand for the town council.

Councillors were asked at this week's virtual meeting whether they wanted to draw an allowance, which can be used help to cover expenses such as travelling and printing costs.

Axminster councillors have historically agreed not to claim any allowances but they are entitled to up to 7% of that an East Devon district councillor receives, which is the equivalent of £305.35 for a councillor and £436 for a committee chair.

The Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, said she did not believe members should be claiming allowances.

Cllr Jeremy Waldon agreed, saying allowances should not be claimed if not needed.

However, he said it could encourage more people to stand for the town council - which currently has four vacancies - who could not otherwise afford to take time off work or hire a babysitter.

"We are not as representative of people in the town as we maybe should be, because we are de facto not encouraging those less financially able," he said.

Cllr Sara Leat said she thought using allowances to cover childcare costs would be particularly helpful to some and may encourage more mothers to stand for council.

Councillors held some discussion on the best way to offer an allowance for those that needed it - whether to offer a limited amount or whether members should claim back for specific expenses.

Cllr Waldon added: "Those who want to claim should be able to do so without fear of discrimination."

It was agreed not to claim allowances for the time being, but for this matter to be be given further consideration by the finance committee in the coming months, with further advice on allowances to be sought by the town clerk.