Councillor allowances

What allowances do councillors receive and how much?

Councillors receive an allowance for the time they give to serve the community and to cover their expenses.

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Local Government Act 2000 and associated regulations set out the scheme we have to use for councillors' allowances and their duties.

Every councillor receives a 'Basic Allowance' of £10,076 a year. Councillors are also entitled to an extra allowance if they take on extra duties. For example, a chair of one of our scrutiny boards would get a 'Special Responsibility Allowance' of £7,557 as well as their Basic Allowance.

What other allowances can councillors claim for?

Councillors may claim allowances for travel, subsistence and dependent-carer costs.

These allowances will be reimbursed only if they are incurred while doing approved duties, as set out in the Members' Allowances Scheme.

Who decides how much the councillors should receive?

Every year, the Independent Remuneration Panel reviews the Members' Allowances Scheme.

The Panel is made up of independent people who:

• Look at the amount of each allowance
• Decide if the allowances are reasonable
• Present a report of recommendations to the Council.

Any questions?

If you have a question or comment regarding councillor allowances please complete the Ask a Councillor form.