A former senior councillor has called for “parachute payments” to help politicians readjust to normal life.

When in office, Jan Young, who was the former finance Cabinet member for Brighton and Hove City Council, said she raised concerns with bosses that the lack of financial support to those not re-elected could lead to bankruptcy.

In a letter to The Argus, Ms Young said that those who lost their seats also lost their allowance, work telephone and computers overnight, which had a “severe negative impact” on their lives.

But critics have blasted the Conservative saying, as people were losing their jobs and facing increased financial pressure, it was the wrong time to be discussing the issue.

Ms Young, who represented Central Hove until 2011 before losing out to the Greens, said: “When someone decides that they would like to stand for election for whichever political party they represent, the first thing on their mind is the good they hope they can do for their community.

"The last thing is going bankrupt.

“My party took over control from the Labour administration [in 2007] and many Labour councillors lost their seats and their allowances overnight.

"Money ceased and their computers and telephones were taken away almost overnight.”

Ms Young, who ran her own accountancy firm while receiving an allowance of more than £22,000 as a councillor, said her elected role equated to a full-time job.

She added the commitment of eight hours a day, five days a week made it “virtually impossible” to hold down any other employment.

Ms Young said: “If you have given up your job to enable you to concen- trate on your councillors’ portfolio, unless you have other sources of income, you have to live on your allowances.”

Labour councillor Brian Fitch, who lost his seat in 2007 before being re-elected in 2011, said: “I think it’s ridiculous. In the present economic climate I do not think it can be considered.

“Part of life is being prepared for life’s ups and downs.”

A city council spokesman said there were a variety of ways for people to get involved in the democratic process.

He added that any request by councillors would be considered by senior officers and may be brought forward to the relevant committee to be discussed by elected members.

For more details call 01273 290000 or visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk