Rise in allowances for Malvern Hills district councillors splits opinion - The Malvern Observer

Rise in allowances for Malvern Hills district councillors splits opinion

Malvern Editorial 17th May, 2018   0

A WAR of words has broken out after council chiefs on Malvern Hills District Council voted in favour of a 3.5 per cent pay rise.

According to the authority’s leader, Coun David Chambers, the move will allow the council to attract people from a variety of backgrounds to the job.

But Democratic Group leader Coun Sarah Rouse hit back at his claim and said the only way to increase diversity would be to make being a councillor a ‘rewarding experience for all’.

Members of the council voted last Tuesday (May 8) by a majority of 25 votes to eight to approve an increase in allowances which had been suggested by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).




Most councillors will see their basic allowance rise from £4,200 to £4,350.

Coun Chambers will see his allowance as council leader rise from £12,600 to £13,050 while deputy leader Coun Melanie Baker will see an increase from £7,350 to £7,612.50.


Councillors who sit on the executive committee will see their allowances move from £6,300 to £6,525.

Speaking to the Observer, Coun Chambers said it was never an easy decision to increase allowances but having not done it for many years they were lagging behind other authorities, according to the IRP.

“Being a councillor is a big responsibility and we need to ensure the remuneration does not present a barrier to those who could not otherwise afford to take up the role,” he said.

“We appreciate that public sector staff have had very small increases over the years, but this is set to improve a little this year.

“We believe attracting good quality councillors is essential to a well run council.”

Coun Rouse claimed cuts recommended by the IRP to chairs of planning committees were ignored and confirmed she voted against the 3.5 per cent increase.

“I would have supported a one per cent increase for all councillors. But I would never have supported an increase for portfolio holders and the leader who already take home high amounts,” she said.

“As for the reason given by the leader that it will increase diversity, I disagree.

“To increase diversity across the council we need to engage with more residents and make being a councillor an engaging and rewarding experience for all.

“Very often those not in the controlling group are sidelined. Given we are the most diverse group, this is a shame.”

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