By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Broxtowe Borough Councillors approved a four per cent increase in their allowances at a full council meeting.
Council papers state that since 2015, allowances have risen only twice – by two per cent in both 2020 and 2022.
The council said there was a concern it was “falling behind other authorities in terms of remuneration for members” after continual rejections of increases.
There is also a concern that councillors are not properly compensated for their work, which could put people off wanting to get involved in local politics as elected members.
An Independent Remuneration Panel recommended a four per cent increase, which would cost around £11,750 over the financial year starting in April.
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.
Councillors approved the recommendations at a meeting on March 6 without discussion.
Cllr Milan Radulovic (Lab) said: “The independent remuneration panel has made a number of recommendations, for an additional four per cent to be added to member’s allowances.
“A review will be conducted to consider the roles and responsibilities of councillors, and for those to be benchmarked with other local authorities.”
Some councillors did not approve the increase in allowances.
In response to this Cllr Radulovic said: “I bet they still take it though.”
Council papers stated: “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.”
Council officers had recommended a higher raise than four per cent, but this was rejected.
The Broxtowe vote also allows the extension of administrative support of a Business Manager to all political groups of at least three members.
