Worthing Borough Council
Councillor Allowance Increases
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The Argus reported on a story on the resignation of three members of the WBC Independent Remuneration Committee. Inspired by the apparent 16% increase in the basic allowance for regular Councillors and 58% increase for Council Leader Paul Yallop we published the story (left) to measure public opinion.
With well over 500 "Likes" and numerous expressions of disgust we sent an email to all 37 Worthing Borough Councillors, read it HERE it is important to note that some Councillors took a real-terms cut in there allowance due to a restructuring of the Special Responsibility Allowances, but, all Councillors standard allowance of £3,897 was increased to £4,500. The proposal drew criticism from road sweepers, nurses and other regular folk who have not seen a pay rise since the recession hit. Arguments given by Councillors and supporters suggest that the allowance needs to be brought in line with other councils to prevent the council becoming "stagnant" with well off retirees who are not in touch and representative. With 37 councillors already the question has to be asked...do we really need so many as it is? And how "in touch" is someone who accepts a 16% increase when families are struggling to make ends meet. We will keep you updated with their responses and a running total of public money saved by Councillors in touch enough to waive the frankly insulting increase.
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