Flintshire Council Officer Addresses Misinformation Surrounding Councillor Pay Raises Amidst Council Tax Hike Backlash
A Flintshire County Council officer took the unusual step of directly addressing misinformation circulating on social media regarding councillor pay raises during a recent committee meeting. The controversy stems from a 9.5% council tax increase implemented by the authority, sparking public outcry and accusations that councillors were voting to increase their own salaries while burdening residents with higher taxes. Democratic Services Manager Steve Goodrum clarified the process, emphasizing that councillor remuneration is determined by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW), an independent body, and not by the councillors themselves.
Mr. Goodrum reiterated that councillors do not have the authority to set their own salaries and are bound by the legally binding recommendations of the IRPW. He stressed this point to counter the false claims spreading on social media platforms like Facebook, where residents expressed anger over the council tax hike and accused councillors of prioritizing their own financial gain. The IRPW’s recommendations will see a 5.2% increase in pay for councillors in Band B authorities across Wales, including Flintshire, effective from April.
The pay increase will see councillor salaries rise from £18,666 to £19,771. Other positions will also see increases, including the leader’s salary, which will rise from £62,298 to £66,727, cabinet members’ salaries, which will increase from £37,799 to £40,036, and the salaries of committee chairs and the leader of the largest opposition group, which will rise from £27,999 to £29,657. While individual councillors have the option to decline their allowances, the IRPW advises against collective rejection of pay raises as a form of political protest.
The IRPW’s guidance emphasizes that while local authorities are obligated to implement the panel’s pay determinations, individual councillors have the right to refuse all or part of their allocated payments. However, the IRPW encourages councils to facilitate acceptance of these payments, recognizing the public service councillors provide and the need to cover reasonable expenses. Furthermore, the guidance explicitly discourages any pressure, whether from the council, political groups, or peers, on individual councillors regarding their decision to accept or decline their allowances.
Concerns were raised during the committee meeting about the potential pressure on some councillors, particularly those reliant on their allowances, to forgo the pay increase due to public perception or pressure from colleagues. Councillor Ted Palmer expressed worry that councillors might feel compelled to decline their allowances due to the current economic climate and public sentiment, despite the financial hardship it could cause them. He stressed the unfairness of this situation, highlighting that some councillors depend on these allowances as their primary income.
Mr. Goodrum reinforced the IRPW’s advice, stating that the decision to accept or decline allowances rests solely with individual councillors. He emphasized that councils, political groups, and other members should not exert pressure on councillors in this regard. The IRPW recognizes the significant responsibilities councillors bear in making decisions that impact people’s lives and believes that their remuneration should reflect this. Councillor Billy Mullin added that fair pay is essential to attract and retain younger members and to keep councillor salaries competitive with other industries.