'Not justifiable when people are losing their jobs': Wakefield councillors to reject allowance rise

Each of the council's 60 elected members is paid a basic allowance of just over £12,000 for representing taxpayers.

They are also entitled to travel expenses and extra cash if they hold a senior position within the authority, or chair a committee.

An independent panel has recommended councillors receive a 2.75 per increase, which would take the basic allowance up to £12,366.

But all three major parties have said they will turn down the rise, ahead of a vote next Wednesday.

The leader of the council's ruling Labour group, Denise Jeffery said: "We are in the middle of a pandemic where many people are facing job uncertainty are understandably worried.

"To accept this rise, when people are losing their jobs and public sector pay has been frozen, would not be justifiable.

"Because of this crisis and the impact it is having on the economy, Labour councillors representing this district believe that this is not the right time to increase our allowances, and we will therefore be voting to reject this proposal."

The opposition Conservative group, which has 11 councillors, also confirmed it would reject the raise, with leader Nadeem Ahmed saying his party had consistently voted against allowance increases in previous years.

Coun Ahmed said: "My view is that unless there's a massive upsurge in the economy, we shouldn't be putting that pressure on the public purse.

"At the same time, I understand that it's difficult for some councillors to take time off work, so I think the council needs to start looking at making remote meetings as a permanent solution.

"The world is moving towards more flexible working practices and that way we could cut down on paying travel expenses.

"In that way, if we can save taxpayers' money, then we should."

The council's sole Liberal Democrat, Tom Gordon, accused Labour of hypocrisy, and highlighted the 2019 decision to pay chief whips an allowance.

Members voted by 32 to 19 to approve paying Labour nearly £9,500 a year and the Conservatives £3,000 a year to fund the role.

He said: "It beggars belief Labour councillors they feel deserve a pat on the back for turning down a pay increase in the middle of a global pandemic.

"I do welcome their new found belief of being responsible when it comes to councillors' allowances.

"It was only last year they had forced a taxpayer-funded increase in special responsibility allowances: including remuneration of the Labour group whip - a party political position - and the expansion of Cabinet."

Local Democracy Reporting Service