REDBRIDGE: Councillors agree allowances freeze (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

REDBRIDGE: Councillors agree allowances freeze

3:19pm Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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COUNCILLORS have confirmed the freeze to their annual allowances for the next financial year.

In a rare example of cross-party agreement, members of all three groups voted at the full council meeting on Thursday (March 18) to waive their right to an increase in line with inflation, in light of the current economic situation.

The leaders of all three groups said the decision was based on the need to reflect the current financial hardships that many Redbridge residents had been facing for some months.

Redbridge Council leader and leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Keith Prince, said: "When I talk to residents it is clear that many families and local business are facing financial hardship.

“So although members were due an increase in their allowances this year, it is only right we do not take it as a small contribution to the pressures faced by residents."

Last month, support was growing for a move to keep allowances at their current levels, but some remained sceptical that it would be supported across the chamber.

Labour group leader, Cllr Elaine Norman, said: "It is important that members take the lead when some residents will be lucky to receive a pay rise if not a pay freeze.

“We are acknowledging the difficulties facing residents, which is why there is cross-party support for turning down an increase in our allowance."

Councillors currently get a basic allowance of £10,137.96 a year, with members receiving more for special responsibilities like chairing committees and leading party groups.

Group leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Hugh Cleaver, said: "In my group there is a strong feeling that we should not take any increase in allowances this year.

“This has been recognised by councillors from all parties on the council who have agreed that we should waive any increase this year in line with the decision to hold council tax at the same level."