Councillors set to receive increase in allowances

The basic allowance for Royal Borough councillors is set to rise by £75.39 per year after a 1.05 per cent increase was announced.

They currently receive a £7,179.96 basic allowance, with special responsibility, mileage, dependent carer and ICT allowances also added on and calculated on an individual basis.

Special responsibility allowances, which are given to members who hold senior positions in the council, will also be increased as a result of the rise.

These pay-outs are directly related to the basic allowance.

For example, the council leader's special responsibility allowance is 2.59 x the basic allowance - meaning an increase in the basic allowance also results in a rise in the special responsibility allowance.

The borough said the increases are in line with the average salary rise across the council.