This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Remuneration of local councillors
27/01/2006
Proposals put forward by the independent Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee to reform the system of allowances for councillors were published today.
The Committee proposes abolishing allowances for councillors, replacing them with a new remuneration package including:
- A salary for basic councillors of £15,452 set nationally
- Higher salaries for a limited number of senior councillors, set by councils within a national framework
- Salaries for council leaders ranging from £30,905 to £51,508 set nationally
- A mandatory role description and personal development plan for all councillors
- A statutory severance scheme of £1000 per year served up to a ceiling of £30,000 for councillors choosing to stand down at the 2007 election
- Arrangements which are subject to future reviews
SLARC Chairman Ian Livingtone said:
"The issue of pay and allowances for politicians always attracts interest and I am sure our report will be no different. This remuneration package is based on hard facts and robust opinion - not speculation or guesswork.
"We have gathered evidence, conducted research and taken an objective view to propose arrangements which offer councillors a fair and reasonable rate for the job.
"There is no doubt that the current system of allowances for councillors is outdated and is need of a complete overhaul. The use of allowances varies significantly from council to council and it can be difficult for people to understand.
"We propose replacing it with a fair and transparent package based on a basic salary which reflects the nature of the work a basic councillor undertakes. The package we are proposing is reasonable, realistic and stands up to scrutiny.
"It is perhaps more restrictive than the old arrangements, but it still offers councils flexibility within a sensible framework."
Summary of recommendations
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe said:
"I would like to thank Chairman Ian Livingstone and his team for their hard work. We will consider the Report extremely carefully taking account of affordability and public acceptability and will respond as soon as possible.
"There is no doubt the system of remuneration for councillors is in need of modernisation. The current arrangements are an obscure muddle and that is exactly why the Executive is committed to modernising the whole system.
"This report is an important part of that approach and will build on the further work we are doing to renew local democracy, including changing the voting system and widening access. The new arrangements will be in place for the local authority elections in May 2007."