TOP elected officials in Colchester could see their allowances cut under a new scheme, if their peers deem they have failed to perform well.

Colchester Council chiefs believe the initiative, which could see portfolio-holders docked up to £1,200 a year for missing targets, is the first of its kind in the country.

The authority’s strategic overview and scrutiny panel will tonight decide whether to use Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Smith, cabinet member for resources and business, as a “guinea pig” for the new approach from next April.

If successful, it could be rolled out from 2010 to the rest of the coalition cabinet, led by Cllr Anne Turrell.