By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Broxtowe councillors will be asked to approve an increase in their own allowances next week after barely any change in the last decade.
There is concern elected members aren’t being properly compensated for their work, and this may put people off holding the roles or wanting to run in elections.
Since 2015, allowances had risen only twice – two per cent in both 2020 and 2022 – with councillors rejecting an increase on other occasions.
The Independent Remuneration Panel recommends a four per cent increase, which would cost around £11,750 over the financial year starting in April.
The proposal will be decided at Broxtowe Borough full council on Wednesday, March 6.
It would take the basic allowance for all 44 members from £3,921 to £4,078, with raises also applied to allowances for leadership positions and other special duties.
“There was concern that the consistent rejection of recommendations to increase member allowances were eroding the base of the allowance and causing the Council to fall behind other authorities in terms of remuneration for members,” the report says.
It added there had been debate about how “allowances for members had been continually lowered in real terms and were no longer reflective of the valuable service provided by councillors”.
Council officers had a recommended a higher raise than four per cent, but this was rejected.
The Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation, has been an average of four per cent over 2023, meaning allowances would only be keeping pace with cost rises.
Allowances have been a controversial topic during the cost of living crisis as residents have found their budgets stretched.
Nottingham City Council defended a seven per cent rise last year, despite criticism from opposition councillors.
The Broxtowe vote would also extend the administrative support of a Business Manager to all political groups of at least three members.
The role would help ensure the attendance of members at meetings and arranging substitutes.
