Council to consider 2.6% increase in allowances

Allowances paid to North Yorkshire councillors could rise by 2.6%, following a review by an independent panel.

The panel has recommended that the annual basic allowance should increase from £17,964 to £18,431, in line with the consumer price index, which measures inflation.

If approved, the rise would cost the authority an extra £23,604 per year, taking the total annual cost of allowances to £1.64m.

Members of the council's executive will consider the panel's proposals on Tuesday, before the recommendations go to the full council for a decision on 18 November.

The panel has also recommended a 2.6% increase in the special responsibility allowances paid to councillors who take on additional duties.

The proposed special responsibility allowances would see an overall increase of £12,455, meaning an overall total annual amount paid of £491,501, according to the council.

Philip Battle, North Yorkshire Council's Independent Remuneration Panel chair, said: "The panel has again undertaken a thorough review of councillors' allowances to ensure they remain fair, proportionate and reflective of the responsibilities and time commitment associated with the role of an elected member.

"In reaching our recommendations, we considered allowances paid by comparable local authorities alongside a range of factors, including inflation, wider economic pressures and the evolving demands placed on councillors in North Yorkshire.

"Our view is that the recommended allowances strike an appropriate balance between recognising those responsibilities and ensuring value for money for residents."

Leader of North Yorkshire Council Carl Les said any agreed allowances remained a matter for individual councillors as to whether they wished to claim them.

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