Town councillors in Bicester have officially agreed to pay themselves an allowance - but many will not be taking it up.

Bicester town councillors must fall in line with Government policy and adopt a system to pay town councillors, who previously did the job on a voluntary basis.

But most councillors will not be accepting the money as they believe it is not necessary or appropriate to receive the allowance.

According to new regulations, councillors should be paid £653 a year, and those with special responsibilities, such as leader of the council or mayor, are due £980. At a meeting on Monday, Lawrie Stratford (Con) said the issue had been debated before and the council had agreed not to pay the allowance.

He said: "Conservative members are not drawing an allowance, but fully support the mayor receiving an allowance."

Norman Bolster (Con) said he found it regrettable the Government was forcing parish councils to adopt the system.

He said: "I haven't spoken to a single parish councillor who agrees they should be remunerated."

But he recognised some councillors would want to take the allowance.

Les Sibley (Lab) said it was up to individual councillors whether they took payment, but they should not be pressured either way. He said: "It is worth noting the hard work and voluntary nature of what councillors do."