Anglesey councillors will be asked to take a cut in their allowances to help reduce council tax bills.
The Executive earlier this week (Wednesday, February 23rd) recommended that councillors’ allowances should be reduced by 10% – which would save the Authority an estimated £75,000 and ensure that Council Tax is set below inflation.
If the Full Council agrees to final budget proposals on March 8th, residents would face a 3.7% increase in their council tax bills – instead of the 4.3% increase proposed during recent consultations.
The move to cut allowances follows widespread public calls for councillors to share the burden of the current financial crisis facing local government.
Council Leader Councillor Clive McGregor, explained, “We heard this message loud and clear during our recent Question Time meetings held across the Island and this decision shows that the Executive has listened. ”
“The people of Anglesey feel that it’s high time for councillors to be stand up and be counted and show that we are willing to share the pain of current economic pressures by taking a cut in their own allowances.”
“I hope that the Full Council shows its wholehearted support when we decide on the Budget and level of Council Tax next month.”
The Authority’s allowances bill for members in 2009/10 stood at almost £745,000. This included basic allowances, special responsibility allowances, care allowances and the allowances for Council Chair and Vice Chair.
Cllr McGregor added, “I’d like to thank public for their feedback at the Question Time session, and many of the points they raised will be considered further as work progresses on the Authority’s Affordable Priorities Programme.”
The Executive’s proposal to cut allowances follows recent decisions taken to cease payment of travelling allowances for members attending Full Council meetings in Llangefni and charging members an annual fee for parking.
Anglesey’s Council Tax would remain amongst the lowest in Wales with a 3.7% increase; with an average Band ‘D’ bill standing at £855.90, excluding North Wales Police and Community Council precepts.
