County councillors freeze allowances

Published in Gloucester Citizen Newspaper on Fri 23rd Jan 2009

There will be no allowance increases for county councillors this year.

Despite a recommendation for a 2.1 per cent rise from the independent remuneration panel, councillors voted to freeze an increase.

Conservative Graham Dawson (Tewkesbury), citing the credit crunch and the need for members to show leadership, said: "I didn't believe it was right for councillors to vote themselves a pay rise when so many of our constituents will have none.

"Councillors must show leadership and our support for all those in Gloucestershire who are struggling during this recession."

All Liberal Democrat members, including leader Coun Jeremy Hilton, voted for a freeze on allowances at a meeting this week.

After the meeting, Coun Hilton said: "At a time of economic hardship for many people in Gloucestershire, I felt it only right to vote for a freeze on councillors allowances.

"I'm also pleased the council, including Conservative councillors, supported our proposal not to introduce pensions for councillors."