Labour have been accused of breaking a 'long-standing' consensus at Manchester council by cutting allowances for opposition councillors. Councillors agreed to recommendations by an independent remuneration panel on Wednesday (May 18) including pay rises in line with town hall staff.
All councillors will now be entitled to a basic allowance of £17,798 annually. Special responsibility allowances which are paid to the most senior members remain the same – but those paid to some opposition councillors will be cut.
It comes after the number of opposition councillors doubled from two to four in the last 12 months after Labour lost seats – but they still boast 92 out of 96. The number of executive members - who each receive a total allowance of £36,478 - has increased this year, taking the total - including the two deputy leaders and the leader who earn £36,478 and £62,211 respectively - to 10.
