Overview
- The Independent Remuneration Panel proposes raising the basic annual allowance from £17,340 to £17,964, reflecting CPI inflation of 3.6%.
- Special responsibility allowances for roles with extra duties would increase by the same 3.6% rate.
- If approved, the total basic allowances for 90 councillors would rise to about £1.61 million, an annual increase of £56,182.
- The panel cites funding formula changes, rural pressures and a national spending review that has increased councillor workloads as key reasons for the uplift.
- The panel rejected linking increases to council staff pay, and council leader Carl Les supported the recommendation, noting members may choose to take all, some or none of any agreed allowances.