THE council's plans to pay all of its staff the living wage by April 2016 will 'definitely' go ahead despite claims it is just an aspiration.

Since being announced at the budget meeting on March 2, controversy has surrounded the proposal which Liberal Democrat leader, Ian Marks, has criticised for not being listed in the budget papers.

But council leader, Terry O'Neill, has moved to quash any doubt over whether the new wage will come into force next year.

"The living wage is part of the Outcome Based Budgeting (OBB) process so there is no doubt about it coming in by 2016 - it definitely will," he said.

"We have a transparent budget process and everyone in the room at the meeting knew part of it."

The report delivered by Cllr Russ Bowden, executive board member for corporate resources and assignments, was opposed by Cllr Kevin Bennett (TUSC - Fairfield and Howley) and Cllr Stefan Krizanac (LD - Westbrook), after which both were accused of voting against the living wage.

Cllr Bennett, who resigned from Labour in January, has demanded an apology from Cllr O'Neill (LAB - Burtonwood and Winwick) and Cllr Tony Higgins (LAB - Fairfield and Howley) over comments made and is threatening legal action.

"Claims by Labour councillors that I voted against the living wage are ludicrous," said Cllr Bennett, who is standing as the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate for Warrington South.

"I did not vote against the introduction of the living wage and neither did the Liberal Democrat councillor who has also been accused.

"There was nothing in Labour's budget this year about the living wage being introduced - Labour has an aspiration to introduce the living wage next year.

"That is something I fully support, because I have always campaigned for better wages, and better terms and conditions for the lowest paid workers.

"I have taken legal advice on the matter - if Labour can point to a line in their budget which pledges to introduce the living wage, then I would like to see it.

"They can't do that, because no such line exists. That is why I believe their comments constitute an actionable libel, and I will be asking the leader and Cllr Higgins to withdraw their statements and apologise, or I will consider taking formal legal action against them both."

Work is underway to fund the living wage proposals by next April and Cllr Bowden echoed the views of Cllr O'Neill.

"We have indicated what we want to do and are building up our budget already," he said.

"By doing OBB we will absolutely bring it in for 2016."