Barnsley councillors vote for six per cent pay rise - this is what they will now earn

The decision comes after concerns were raised that the allowances had effectively been cut as they have remained static since 2021, at a time of high inflation.

Councillors will receive a basic allowance of £12,532 per year, an increase from £11,823, to cover costs associated with their role.

An Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) had suggested a freeze to the basic allowance for the upcoming year, citing concerns over public perception of a significant pay increase.

However, after considering feedback from members, the panel acknowledged the need for an increase, recommending a rise in allowances across several areas, including a five per cent increase in the basic allowance and special Responsibility Allowances (SRA).

The panel did recommend that the allowance be increased, which will be backdated to April 1.

This will result in a total cost of approximately £789,540 for basic allowances in 2024/25 – an extra £70,615.

Travel allowances will rise by 25 per cent, reflecting cost increases due to inflation.

While the IRP had initially recommended holding the line on pay, it took into account that allowances have remained static for several years and could act as a barrier to attracting a broader range of people to serve on the council.

A report by the panel states that feedback from councillors found that they felt that allowances had effectively been cut due to remaining unchanged since 2021/22.

Some expressed concerns that the current allowance may be a barrier to potential candidates, especially younger or working individuals who may find it insufficient.

Councillors voted on the decision during a full council meeting yesterday (November 28).

Councillor Robert Frost said the panel’s report was ‘necessary’, as the last one had been undertaken in 2019, and member’s allowances had begun to ‘lag behind’ its peers.