Maidenhead & Windsor

While the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has been applauded for its determination to save money, an independent panel has told the council that it should increase the 'frugal' allowances it pays to its elected members.

The independent remuneration panel report says that councillors' allowances have hardly changed for seven years, despite previous recommendations for increases.

While it applauds the Windsor and Maidenhead council's wish to be frugal and to exercise self-restraint, the panel report says that members' allowances are now so low, especially in comparison with other public bodies, that they are well below the market rate.

Recommending increases for back bench councillors as well as those with particular offices and special responsibilities, the panel stresses the importance of attracting more members of the community to become councillors in the future.

The report says: "The panel feels that if barriers to public service are to be minimised in the borough then the current level of allowances has to increase by more than a token amount."

Cllr David Hilton, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "The council has statutory responsibility for setting its own allowances and this role must be carried out independently of the elected members. That's why we commission an independent panel, with an independent advisor, to carry out a review every few years. The council as a whole then decides whether or not to accept the panel's recommendations."

The independent report, which will go to full council for decision on Tuesday January 29, recommends that the basic allowance for all councillors should be £7,180 (currently £3,843). Among the special responsibility allowances recommended are: council leader – £18,596 (£12,490); deputy leader – £11,158 (£9,608); cabinet members – £10,228 (£7,686) and opposition group leader – £6,509 (£5,765).

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead