Allowances for North Yorkshire councillors could increase by 2.6 per cent to match inflation, bringing the basic annual rate to £18,431.
Basic allowances for elected representatives in North Yorkshire are set to rise by 2.6 per cent to match inflation.
The proposed increase will bring the standard annual payment for a councillor to £18,431 for the 2027/28 financial year, an uplift from the current rate of £17,964.
Taxpayer funding for the basic allowances will jump to £1.64 million a year if the plans are approved. This represents an additional annual cost of £23,604 for the local authority.
Special responsibility payments, which are given to councillors taking on additional duties, are also in line for a 2.6 per cent boost.
This secondary increase will add a further £12,455 to the public purse, taking the total special allowance budget to £491,501 per year.
An independent panel recommended the changes to ensure payments remain in line with the Consumer Prices Index rate of inflation calculated up to June 2026.
The chair of North Yorkshire Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel, Philip Battle, said:
"The panel has again undertaken a thorough review of councillors’ allowances to ensure they remain fair, proportionate and reflective of the responsibilities and time commitment associated with the role of an elected member.
In reaching our recommendations, we considered allowances paid by comparable local authorities alongside a range of factors, including inflation, wider economic pressures and the evolving demands placed on councillors in North Yorkshire.
We recognise the significant contribution councillors make in representing their communities and providing democratic leadership across the county. Our view is that the recommended allowances strike an appropriate balance between recognising those responsibilities and ensuring value for money for residents."
Proposals will face scrutiny from members of the council's executive on Tuesday, October 27.
A final decision on the payment structure will then be made at a full council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 18.
The leader of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor Carl Les, said:
"I would like to thank the independent panel for carrying out this review and providing its recommendations.
Being a councillor is a significant commitment, requiring members to balance their council duties with work, family life and other responsibilities. It is important that the allowances scheme remains fair, proportionate and supports people from a wide range of backgrounds to serve their communities.
The panel’s recommendations will now be considered, and any agreed allowances remain a matter for individual councillors to decide whether they wish to claim."
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