Councillors put off standing for election because of poor pay
Pay levels for councillors can put people off standing for election according to a cross-party group of MPs.
And elected representatives "shy away" from increasing their allowances fearing the public backlash argues members of a Commons Select Committee.
The thorny issue of pay was one of three "practical barriers" to people becoming and remaining councillors said the MPs, who argued local authorities should be able to hand responsibility for setting allowances to an independent local body, similar to politicians at Westminster.
Other obstacles highlighted by the Communities and Local Government Select Committee in its inquiry into the future role of councillors, included the time commitment involved, and a lack of support from employers.
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Councillors in Gloucestershire's allowances can range from £4,000 in the Cotswold to £9,000 for county councillors.
Those with special responsibilities can take in extra money.
On calling for the setting of allowances out of the hands of councillors altogether, the MPs stated: "Unlike the current panels, which can only make recommendations, these bodies would make decisions about levels of allowances that councils would be required to accept.
"It would be inconsistent for Parliament to deny councils the option it has chosen for the determination of its own pay and conditions."
Since May, 2011, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), which already oversaw MPs expenses, has been responsible for their pay and setting any salary increase.
The report said: "Being a councillor is a form of public service, and people do not become councillors for the money.
"Nevertheless, as being a councillor becomes more demanding and the time commitment greater, those becoming councillors have a right to expect an appropriate level of compensation, especially if they have to take time off work to carry out their duties.
"The levels of allowances currently offered by many councils, at best, do not encourage and,
at worst, deter capable people from standing for election.
"The problem is exacerbated because councils are reluctant to vote for an increase for fear of the media and public reaction.
"We agree that decisions about allowances are best made locally, but consider that they should be taken out of councillors' hands."
The committee also said in the face of an increasingly demanding role, councillors should receive support from officers such as in managing their casework.
The government should also consider offering employers incentives to support staff who are councillors.
Comments
by Ysedra
Friday, January 11 2013, 5:51PM
“There doesn't really seem to be any point in being a councillor, since it is almost entirely about party politics, and show rather than substance (I could name the chief, gurning offender in my book, but then I could be accused of a party bias as well).
What is needed is for councillors to be made to pay more attention to their consituents' concerns, but as they could argue, rightly, that it's only a very small minority of people, like me, who bother to raise concerns, they are not 'representative' of residents. It is, of course, the job of councillors to be representative, but again, that political slant gets in the way. I would tell people to get more involved with their neighbourhood partnerships instead, but most don't even know they have one.
If you aren't satisfied with the accountability of your local authorities, or related quangos, get it off your chest here... http://tinyurl.com/anzegq8 You really have nothing to lose, and much to gain.”
by Shireresident
Friday, January 11 2013, 10:49AM
“I think this is one of those all or nothing issues. Either being a councillor should be completely unpaid and voluntary or they should expect reasonable recompense. As ever there are pros and cons to this approach. The entirely voluntary scenario makes the system prey to the sad old windbag ego tripper looking for a hobby in retirement. This is bourne out by the average age of a councillor which at the moment is 60. This type of person, whilst well meaning may not have the knowledge and skills needed when spending millions of pounds of public money wisely. More clued in people of working age may require a proper allowance as meetings are needed to make decisions in a democratic system and loss of earnings can soon mount up. It was interesting that this is actually a report supported by all three political parties though this as ever has not been made terribly clear in the press. We need to do something to improve the quality of decision making in local government to avoid it slipping into some sort of village idiots debating society which is a danger at present and does no one any favours.”
by polyphonic
Thursday, January 10 2013, 3:47PM
“I was a councillor and happy to work for nought. I gave it up because I was fed up with the 3 hour wordfests where the some of fellow councillors needed to remind themselves they were still alive by hours of navel gazing and rehashing the same subjects, week after wretched week.
My thoughts, councillors limited to 2 terms and if they need remuneration it should be paid for meetings at the minimum wage and taxable. Maximum length of a meeting should be 2.5 hours.”
by ShireMe
Thursday, January 10 2013, 1:02PM
“Bonkim is correct, subjecting public service to the mercenary pressures of capitalism inevitably reduces the quality of service to the customers. Shame the government is seeing fit to privatise the whole public sector then isnt it?”
by Scorpio2010
Thursday, January 10 2013, 9:22AM
“Allowances were originally introduced to improve the "quality" of councillors. Enough said!”
by Bonkim2003
Thursday, January 10 2013, 9:20AM
“Most councillors would be happy to work for nothing if they are able to help the community. Conversely do you really want career politicians to represent you - those that will just play along as long as they get their monthly stipend.”
by capital1978
Thursday, January 10 2013, 9:01AM
“£9,000 for a county councillor. That's about £9000 more than a school governor. Oh, and a councillor can claim expenses too.
Poor lambs”