Haydon Wick Council rejects Swindon Borough Council’s Independent Remuneration Recommendation opting to freeze their allowances for a third year running.
At Haydon Wick’s Full Council meeting on the 12th December 2023 Councillors unanimously voted to reject Swindon Borough Council’s (SBC’s) Independent Remuneration Panel’s allowances recommendation and freeze their allowances for a third year running.
The Panel’s recommendation would have seen the Parish Council’s budget for councillor allowances rocket from £18,906.72 per year to £33,972.00 – a difference of £15,065.28.
After a thorough debate the meeting heard why some of the Council’s 18 Councillors draw down the £74.97 per month for a Councillor or £139.40 for the Chairman’s monthly allowance.
Councillors receive their allowance in recognition of their time and expenses incurred while on council business. By offering a reasonable and proportionate allowance the Parish Council is helping to ensure being a parish councillor is inclusive for all. As many of the Councillors commented that use their allowances towards funding childcare or dependent’s care costs, or to contribute prizes and refreshments to the Council’s various community activities.
The Councillors’ Allowance budget of £18,906.72 is to equivalent to £2.11 or 1.63% on the current precept cost of £108.68 for a Band D Household for all Haydon Wick residents.
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