Bromsgrove District Council has voted to freeze councillors’ allowances, following recommendations from the Leader of the Council.

Coun. Margaret Sherrey, Leader of the Council and Conservative Group Leader, called on the Council to keep councillors’ allowances at their current rate, and to reduce the extra allowance given to the Chairman of the Licensing Committee.

An Independent Remuneration Panel had produced a report recommending an increase in allowances for Portfolio Holders and committee chairmen. However, Coun Sherrey argued that whilst savings were being made across Council departments, it would be unacceptable to increase councillors’ pay.

A reduction in the allowance for the Chairman of the Licensing Committee was agreed with Coun. Caroline Spencer, the current Chairman, owing to the lower number of committee meetings in recent years.

Coun. Sherrey said:

“It would be incredibly irresponsible to have increased allowances for Bromsgrove councillors whilst we have to make savings elsewhere. I am pleased that councillors from all parties have agreed to my recommendation to freeze allowances at their current rate. Once again, we have shown we can get value for money for Bromsgrove residents.”