Suva Lord Mayor Peni Volavola has defended the increase in the overseas per diem for its councilors.
Volavola said the Public Service Commission has brought about the changes, not the city council.
According to the minutes of the city council's meeting, the per diem for London has been increased to 423 US dollars a day which was $209 US before. The Per diem for Australia has been increased to $283 US which was $164 before.
Volavola said the changes were made after a survey was undertaken by the PSC in 2006 and 2007.
PSC's Permanent Secretary, Taina Tagicakibau is expected to comment on the matter later today.
