Wakefield Councillors to Vote on Freezing Allowances

Councillors in Wakefield are poised to vote on a proposal to freeze their allowances during a meeting scheduled for next week. Council leader Denise Jeffery indicated that, given residents’ struggles with the cost of living, she believes councillors should not accept an increase. The Labour-run authority, like many others nationwide, is also confronting escalating financial pressures. According to figures from Wakefield Council, nearly £1.3 million was paid to its 63 elected members over the course of the last financial year. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has reported that councillors are anticipated to support the freeze at a full council meeting on November 27. Elected councillors are permitted to claim basic allowances and expenses, in accordance with recommendations from an independent remuneration panel (IRP). The most recent review of allowances took place in 2021, when the panel suggested a 2.75% increase for elected members. However, councillors from all three major parties unanimously rejected the proposed increase, a decision that saved the local authority approximately £32,000. Speaking at a meeting last month, Jeffery stated: “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 further added that she hoped for unanimous agreement, but confirmed the matter would be thoroughly discussed at the meeting. All members are entitled to a basic allowance, which currently stands at £1,159 per month, based on figures published for September. Additionally, councillors are eligible to claim a basic supplement, ranging from £707 to £804 annually, primarily intended to cover travel costs. Some councillors also receive special responsibility allowances.