The scheme to encourage 'fresh thinking' by new members of all parties was suggested by Warwick District Council's ruling Conservative group.

But Liberal Democrats on the authority have warned that there will be little money to spare over coming years.

Speaking at the council's full meeting, Coun Bill Gifford (Lib Dem, Leamington MIlverton) attacked the "patronising" idea of giving newly-elected councillors £60,000 to play with and called upon the Conservatives to withdraw it.

He warned that with "significant" financial pressures over coming years and falling revenue from car parks, gyms and swimming pools it would be "wholly inappropriate" for the £60,000 to remain unaccounted for.

He said: "There are folks out there who feel council tax is a difficult burden. There are people facing not just increased council tax bills but dramatically increased gas and electricity bills. They are possibly seeing their savings disappear.

"It isn't an appropriate time to do this."

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Coun Roger Copping (Lib Dem, Leamington Crown) pointed out £60,000 was almost one per cent on district's share of council tax. He said: "Millions of pounds are being pumped into the banking system all over the world.

"Spending this would be very unpopular among the people we represent."

Conservatives and Independents defended the proposal, and there was fury when Coun Nick Pittarello (Lib Dem, Leamington Milverton) dismissed it as a "Tory slush fund".

Coun Bertie Mackay (Ind, Stoneleigh) compared the council to an "inanimate version of the magic roundabout" with a lack of imagination and suggested the money would encourage new councillors to come forward with new ideas.

Independent group leader Coun Bernard Kirton (Ind, Whitnash) attacked the "tribal ritual" of party groups opposing each other for the sake of politics.

Conservative leader Coun Michael Doody (Con, Radford Semele) stressed that all parties had been invited to take part in an idea to give new councillors a 'forum' to move forward, and that the money would not be spent unless the council's cabinet approved any new ides.

He added: "It is the intention of this group to ensure that all possible ways of improving the district are allowed to go forward."

* The council voted to reconsider the idea at its cabinet meeting.