North Yorkshire Councillors have voted to award themselves “a real terms pay cut” after being warned any increase would be dimly viewed by people struggling to make ends meet during the cost of living crisis.
Following a robust debate at County Hall in Northallerton a strong majority of North Yorkshire Council members approved the recommendation of an Independent Remuneration Panel to increase their annual basic allowances by £1,500 to £17,000.
Councillors also passed an increase of two per cent for members with special responsibilities at the Conservative-led authority.
The Liberal Democrat group voted against the proposals, as did a handful of other opposition members.
A report to the full council meeting stated the panel considered that councillors are not remunerated as employees and their allowance reflect “the
considerable time commitment required for the proper and conscientious fulfilment of duties”.
The panel’s recommendation also took into account reconfiguration of local government in North Yorkshire and the effect that the overall reduction in councillors, from 319 to 90, has had on the workload of those elected to the unitary authority that was launched in April.
Some councillors had called for there to be no increase at all, but others including Green councillor Andy Brown say it's important the role is accessible to more people.
Liberal Democrat councillor Felicity Cunliffe Lister told the meeting she wouldn't support the increase.
Independent Malton councillor Lindsay Burr also felt that approving any increase in the current economic climate was not acceptable.
The authority’s leader Councillor Carl Les said the panel’s recommendations had been generated from the evidence provided by 23 elected members about their workload following the launch of the unitary authority in April.
Scarborough Residents Asked For Thoughts on £20m Spending Plans
The 11 Projects Vying for a Share of Scarborough's £20m Pride in Place Funding
Scarborough Athletic Chairman Thanks Clubs For Loans, Lauds Boss Greening
Super Scarborough Athletic Pick Up First Win Of 2026
More Honesty Needed on A64 Upgrade Chances
North Yorkshire Mayor Welcomes Powers to Tackle Pavement Parking
Whitby Town Open Up New Year With First Point
Bridlington Rugby Stay Top After Latest Victory
Wintry Conditions Grip Yorkshire Coast as Met Office Issues Multiple Weekend Weather Warnings
MP Meets with Council Over Yorkshire Coast Snow Response
What Could be Better on a Cold Winter Night Than Tracking a Gritter?
Olly Green Rejoins Bridlington Town on a Permanent Deal
Comments
Add a comment