As spending cuts bite, councillors' allowances are likely to become an even more controversial topic. One region has organised its own network of remuneration panels to share experiences, and recently held its inaugural meeting
Plans by London Councils to increase councillors' allowances drew a sharp response from Barking and Dagenham LBC leader, Liam Smith, last week, who said now was not the time for such a rise.
London Councils has published a report of its independent renumeration panel, recommending that the basic' allowances should be £10,597, while cabinet members and scrutiny chairs should receive an extra allowance of £34,780 to £41,262. <
Barking and Dagenham councillors receive a basic allowance of £10,006.
But councillors' allowances remain a vexed topic, especially during spending cuts, and often with big variations, even with neighbouring councils.<
Recently, Dr Jane Roberts, former chair of the Councillors' Commission, joined Mark Coram, of the CLG, and Michael Burton, editor of The MJ, to address a seminar about the current pattern of allowances, and the media coverage.
The occasion was the first South East regional network meeting for independent remuneration panels (IPRs), jointly organised by South East Employers and Brighton and Hove City Council, with delegates from 29 authorities across the South East.
The South East IRP has also launched a new website to provide a one-stop shop for authorities. Dr Roberts highlighted the need for a greater understanding of councillors' remuneration, recognising that independent panels often worked in isolation, despite facing the same problems.
Networking events were an opportunity to share common issues. Some panels also faced subtle, or not so subtle, pressure from councillors while there was no obvious pattern of payments across regions, or even between neighbouring councils.
Mr Coram agreed that future guidance would be issued with more clarity, particularly in the light of confusion expressed by some of the delegates.
