An item on a committee agenda at County this week related to the “pay” cllrs. receive. A proposal is being considered to up the Devon County Councillors Allowance to approx. £12,500 plus travel costs. ( and a free lunch on Full Council day’s if you accept it…which incidentally I never have)
The Labour councillors seem very keen on this proposal and I am told their Leader spoke passionately in favour. They have already raised their allowances on Exeter City Council, which they control, by over 20%.
I believe every labourer is worthy of their hire, but every councillor on Devon County Council knew exactly what the situation was less than a year ago, when they stood for election. All elected members signed up to “the conditions of employment” in existence at the time.
The decision will ultimately be made by the controlling group of course, the Conservatives, as they have a large majority. I speak for no one other than myself when I say I have never voted myself a pay rise…and I can assure you I won’t be on this occasion. I do not believe the Lib Dem group will be voting for the rise either, but that remains to be seen.