Councillors to vote on allowances freeze

Wakefield councillors could vote to freeze their allowances at a meeting next week.

Council leader Denise Jeffery said residents had been struggling with the cost of living and she felt councillors should not take a rise.

The Labour-run authority also faces mounting financial pressures, like many others across the country.

According to Wakefield Council figures, nearly £1.3m was paid to its 63 elected members during the last financial year.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said councillors were expected to vote in favour of the freeze at a full council meeting on 27 November.

Elected councillors are allowed to claim basic allowances and expenses, in line with recommendations by an independent remuneration panel (IRP).

A review of allowances was last carried out in 2021, when the panel recommended elected members give themselves a 2.75% increase.

Councillors from all three major parties unanimously voted against the proposed increase, a move which saved the local authority around £32,000.

Speaking at a meeting last month, Jeffery said: "I feel that we shouldn’t take a rise this year.

"People are struggling with the cost of living, not only across the country but across our district. It matters to us."

She added she hoped everyone would agree but it would be discussed in full at the meeting.

All members are entitled to a basic allowance, which is currently £1,159 a month, according to figures published for September.

In addition, councillors are able to claim a basic supplement, which ranges between £707 to £804 a year, mainly to cover travel costs.

Some councillors also receive special responsibility allowances.

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