Anger over pay rise for councillors

Councillors in Conwy have told of their frustration over plans to give them another pay rise.
The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) has said councillors should get a pay rise of £350 a year, which would mean their annual salary would  increase to £14,218.
A report is produced each year by the IRPW recommending what councillors should be paid, with members given an extra £200 last year.
But the plans have been slammed by some councillors who said they felt it was wrong that they get a pay hike each year.
Cllr Aaron Wynne, who represents Llanrwst on Conwy Council, says he will refuse the proposed increase.

He said:  “Why should we enjoy a pay–rise when the rest of the public sector has a pay-cap?

“Since joining the council in 2017 I have refused the pay increase for councillors, except for this year, when I accepted the payrise in order to donate it to Llanrwst United Football Club, after they  suffered extensive damage from flooding.”

The leader of Plaid Cymru on Conwy Council, Cllr Wyn Jones, said: “In such a time when local authorities across Wales are having to make significant cuts to their budgets, and when council tax increases have never been higher, how can we justify a pay–rise for councillors?

“In a meeting of the council early this year, councillors called on the Welsh government to determine the levels of pay for councillors at the start of an electoral term, rather than annually which only adds costs to the taxpayer.”

The cash-strapped council has been struggling with its finances and this year levied an inflation busting 9.6% council tax rise.

And the council’s deputy leader, Goronwy Edwards, said: “It’s that time of year again and I dare say that with Conwy facing challenging  budgets pressures some people may question should members be receiving an increase?

“But being aware of the additional expectations that are being asked of members it’s probably that it’s only fair that they should receive an increase in-line with information, which is also in line with public sector employees . As for myself as a cabinet member there is no increase proposed and as deputy leader of the council I will again,  not be taking up the additional payment for that role , which is a saving of over £4,000 to the council.”

By Shane Brennan – Local Democracy Reporter