Councillors in Liverpool are in line for a pay rise according to a report to the local authority.
Members of Liverpool Council could have their annual fee increased by 1.75% should a recommendation be passed next week. The council’s constitutional issues committee is encouraged to sign off on proposals for members’ remuneration to be raised to £10,775 per year - a raise of £185.
The proposed uplift - to be backdated to May 2021 - is in line with the agreed National Joint Council (NJC) employee pay award. The pay increase will be discussed by the full council later this month before it is implemented.
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The total cost of payment to councillors to the annual budget is almost £1.4m. Currently, the 90 members on Liverpool Council are paid a basic allowance of £10,590 to cover “representative role including acting as an advocate for the interests of the ward, dealing with constituents’ enquiries or representations, active participation in the shaping and management of services devolved to a local level, attendance at meetings of local organisations.”
In addition, councillors are provided with IT equipment and remote secure access to council systems using their own devices, as well as car park passes, member support, printing, stationery, postage and surgery costs up to a maximum of £330 per year. According to the council report, the elected Mayor of Liverpool, currently Joanne Anderson, receives £83,539, “which is designed to cover the activities and duties – together with any incidental cost for which no other provision is made – in respect of the discharge of the office of Elected Mayor.”
Further allowances are made for members of the city council who are also serving on Liverpool City Region Transport Committee. Chair, Cllr Liam Robinson, receives £24,308, while Cllrs Anthony Lavelle and Nathalie Nicholas, receive a basic allowance of £5,675. As Lead Member Tunnels, Highways and Key Route Network, Cllr Nicholas is in receipt of an additional £4,433.
A vacancy for Liverpool Council exists on the committee following the resignation of Fazakerley ward member Lindsay Melia in March. The council is required to take into account the view of the independent remuneration panel it is legally bound to establish to consider its pay scheme, but does not have to follow its recommendations.
The constitutional issues committee will meet on Thursday 12th May to discuss the recommendations before they go to the full council on Wednesday 25th May where it is expected they will be formally adopted.
