02 August 2002
The introduction of independent local panels has meant that 21,000 councillors nationwide are enjoying an average 67% increase in their expenses, according to House of Commons' figures. Expenses in London have almost tripled.
Sir Brian Briscoe, chief executive of the Local Government Association, said the increases offered value for money. 'The average cost of councillors' allowances is 0.24% of their council's budget,' he said.
'The panels make a judgement based on the responsibilities of holding office, including the demands on time, the size of the local community, and comparison with the others in the public and private sector, then make a recommendation to the full council. The shocking fact is not a 67% increase, but the appallingly low rewards prior to the introduction of independent panels.'
The timing of the revelation could be embarrassing for councillors as it comes as the pay impasse continues in the dispute with local authority workers. More than 1 million Unison, GMB and T&G staff are demanding a 6% pay rise, or an extra £1,750, whichever is greater. Their local government employers have offered a 3% increase.
GMB general secretary John Edmonds said the comparison between what councillors received and what they offered painted them in a bad light.
'Most councillors have had a big percentage increase in their allowance in the past few months and they are the people who are saying to their employees: "You can only have 3%. You are not worth more than £5 an hour". That is difficult to take,' he said.
Briscoe insisted that councillors were overdue the increase. 'For too many years, councillor allowances were at such low levels that councils failed to attract talented members of the local community to stand for elected office,' he said.
'We are now in the process of "catching up" and delivering parity between councillors and others who take up public office, such as those in health trusts.'
PFaug2002
