Vale of White Horse District Council Approves Councillor Allowance Increase

Vale of White Horse District Council, located in Oxfordshire, has approved a substantial increase in councillor allowances, marking the second such decision in the county. This council decided to raise allowances by almost 20%, following a separate allowance increase approved by South Oxfordshire District Council last week. Matthew Barber, who previously led the authority, described the increase as a “difficult ask” for local residents. The council stated that this marks the first allowance increase in four years, and that its members approved a rise that was less than what an independent panel had advised. The “basic allowance” provided to each councillor on Vale of White Horse will see an annual increase from £6,275 to £7,514. This percentage increase is less than the 34% rise sanctioned by the adjacent South Oxfordshire District Council last week. Matthew Barber, the former Conservative leader of the authority and current Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner, indicated he would not have supported the increase. He commented, “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.” Conversely, Bethia Thomas, the current Liberal Democrat leader of the council, defended the allowance increase. She stated, “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 added, “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.” These increases are scheduled to become effective on April 1, 2025.