Local government reorganisation “a timely opportunity” to reset how work of councillor is financially supported, says LGA

Those findings come from a survey for the Local Government Association (LGA) on the Benefits, Remuneration and Terms and Conditions of Councillors.

It said the imminent reorganisation of English local government into fewer and larger authorities - with fewer councillors representing larger populations - meant the role would become yet more demanding.

“Local government reorganisation, especially the move to unitary councils, creates a timely opportunity to reset what it takes to be a councillor and how that work is supported,” the LGA argued.

Asked whether their council’s remuneration and compensation package for councillors was adequate almost 75% answered “no” and only 14.2% “yes”. Many respondents said they needed around 35 hours a week to carry out the role well and basic allowances were too low, with most councillors reporting it was very hard to live on the allowance alone.

Those of working age and with children were much more likely to feel financially strained and to say that money would influence whether they stand again.

Holders of special responsibility allowance roles might appear better paid but said they also had greater financial pressure due to the time these roles demand.

The LGA survey found: “These pressures have clear implications for who can serve and who can stay.

“Caring for children, older adults, or someone with a disability is often hard to reconcile with the role. Full time employment is seen as the least compatible with councillor duties.”

Councillors of working age were notably more likely to find in-person only meetings inconvenient attend.

Overall councillors tended to be elderly with an average age of 58.25 years, with “very few” respondents aged under 40.

Men accounted for 59.4% of respondent councillors and women 39.1%, with the rest not answering.

Respondent councillors were also better educated with 82.2% holding a degree or equivalent qualification, compared with 36.1% of the general population. They were predominantly white, at 82.8%.

“Compared with the Census, there a strong over-representation of white councillors and an under-representation of Asian and black ethnic groups,” the LGA’s report said.

“This suggests that the role is fulfilled by less ethnically diverse groups than the England population.”

Most councillors had pensions and/or other jobs with only 5% saying their councillors’ allowance made up 80% or more of their income.

“Our survey indicates that it is extremely hard for a person or a family to live exclusively on councillor remuneration income,” the report said.

“Combined with the finding that councillors believe they would need 35 hours per week to fulfil their role to the best of their ability…the conclusion is that the current remuneration levels make it almost impossible for a single person to dedicate enough hours to the role of being a councillor and at the same not need additional income.”

Participation in local democracy often became as a result limited to those with a secure income or pension, creating barriers for individuals who must work for an income.

The increased time commitment involved with special responsibility allowance roles reduced holders’ ability to gain income from other sources, and may not fully compensate for the additional time needed meaning councillors paid these extra allowances “are paradoxically left in a more strained financial situation”.

Mark Smulian