Councillors reject big pay rise

Jun 6 2007

COUNCILLORS voted against giving themselves an inflation-busting 4.3 per cent pay rise as a mark of "solidarity" with city council staff facing pay cuts.

Instead, they agreed to a 1.9 per cent rise, with any further increases later in the year to be in line with whatever is agreed nationally for town hall staff.

The 4.3 per cent rise was recommended by an independent panel which looks into allowances to city councillors each year.

Its report was published amid threats of a pay revolt by council workers who voted to reject new salary grades under the Government's single status review.

The pay agreement is designed to be fairer, but about 10 per cent of staff will be up to £9,000 a year worse off.

Leader Mike Whitby told the full council: "We felt we would join in our staff and show empathy by leading from the front and accepting 1.9 per cent.

"That is showing solidarity with our staff and what they face."

The pay award means councillors' basic allowance for 2007/08 will be just over £15,000 - the UK's highest.