29 April 2009
Caerphilly councillors have agreed a 0% increase on their allowances during 2009/10 in light of the current financial climate.
The move, which will be welcomed by the wider community who are already feeling the pinch from the global recession, was agreed at a meeting of Full Council at Penallta House last night (Tuesday 28th April).
Cllr Allan Pritchard, the deputy leader of council and cabinet member for constitutional affairs, led the call for the allowance freeze, "We have a duty to serve the people of the Caerphilly county borough and put their best interests first. Everyone is feeling the impact of the economic downturn at the moment and it would be inappropriate for us, as elected representatives, to give ourselves a 2.5% increase in basic allowances and special responsibility, and also 5% in care allowance, when people are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet."
"We recognise that councillors today provide a vital service in their local community and should receive an appropriate allowance to reflect their hard work and commitment, but this is the right decision to take in the current economic climate," he added.
The proposal put forward was supported by all political parties in the chamber who endorsed the move to reject the proposed 2.5% & 5% increases recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales. Every Local Authority in Wales is required to adopt a scheme of Members Allowances and the Panel is responsible for setting the maximum rates.
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