Tory Councillors give themselves a pay increase

9.01.39pm GMT Fri 14th Dec 2007

Tory councillors vote themselves pay increases

Tory County Councillors today voted for increased allowances for cabinet members and a handful of committee chairmen against the recommendation of the Council's Independent Remuneration Panel. Furthermore, they decided to back date the increase to the 1st April 2007!

Both Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors condemned the move that will cost tax payers over £30,000.

All County Councillors receive a basis allowance of £10,546 pa. The Leader's allowance (additional to the basic allowance) now increases from £26,523 to £29,394 (+10.8%), cabinet members from £15,691 to £18,283 (+16.5%) and the chairmen of the planning, rights of way and regulation, audit & accounts committees from £6,582 to £8,375 (+27.2%).

All this just days after the government announced its provisional settlement for next year that gives the County Council a 2% cash increase in grant. The County Council's share of the Council Tax is likely to increase by 4.6%