Second council votes through allowance increase

A second council in Oxfordshire has voted through a significant increase in the amount councillors are paid.

Vale of White Horse District Council made the decision to increase allowances by nearly 20% - after South Oxfordshire District Council also voted through a separate rise last week.

Matthew Barber, a former leader of the authority, said it was a "difficult ask" for residents.

The council said it was the first increase in four years and that members agreed a rise that was lower than an independent panel recommended.

The "basic allowance" that every councillor on Vale of White Horse receives will increase from £6,275 to £7,514 per year.

The rise is lower than the amount agreed at neighbouring South Oxfordshire District Council, which approved a 34% rise last week.

Former Conservative leader of the authority Matthew Barber, who is now the Thames Valley's Police and Crime Commissioner, said he would not have voted for the rise.

"To be giving yourself more money in your pocket at the same time as going out and asking residents for more, is a pretty difficult ask," he said.

But the current Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Bethia Thomas, defended the increase.

"The aim of councillor allowances is to enable as many people from across our community – from diverse backgrounds, to stand as representatives – regardless of their personal means or circumstance," she said.

"By offering a fair amount, as set out by this independent panel, we hope to encourage a range of voices – not just those who are comfortably in a position to sacrifice time and money."

The increases will come into affect on April 1, 2025.

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