News RSS Feed


Email us your story, call 01793 501806 or text 80360, starting your message with 'SWINDON NEWS'

Councillors vote for allowance hike

12:09pm Friday 16th January 2009 in


COUNCILLORS will get a pay hike in 2009/10 despite calls for them to set an example to residents and refuse the rise.

At a full council meeting last night Conservative and Labour councillors voted to go ahead with plans to raise councillor allowances for the next financial year.

This was despite pleas from Lib Dem and independent councillors to turn down the money.

The basic allowance received by all councillors, set at £7,611 for 2008/09, is to be index linked to the increases in the Local Government Pay Settlement for 2009/10.

There will also be a hike in special responsibility allowances and allowances for parish councillors.

Coun David Glaholm (Indpt, Penhill) asked the leader of the council, Rod Bluh, to agree that taking the proposed increase would send out the wrong signal to the public.

Coun Bluh responded that the cabinet had only recommended a portion of the increases suggested by an independent remuneration panel.

Other suggestions, including an IT allowance and extra money for Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny committees, were rejected by the cabinet.

Coun Bluh said: “The challenging times in which we find ourselves, especially given the low level of formula grant we receive despite the borough’s needs, call for positive leadership, not political gestures.”

Lib Dem leader, Stan Pajak, also raised his objections to the increase, calling for councillors to block the proposals.

He said: “Times are hard and here is an opportunity to lead by example.

“Although this may not have a great effect it shows people that we are doing something.”

But Coun Bluh insisted that to opt out of increases now would see the council playing catch-up in the years to come.

He said: “A lot of people are putting in a great deal of hard work and I think the recommendations are reasonable given the climate that we are in.”

Swindon Council allocated £689,000 from its 2008/09 budget for councillors’ services. This included £449,000 for the basic allowances and £240,851 for other allowances, such as the Mayor and those with special responsibilities.

A further £17,100 was allocated for councillors’ training and development.

Comments(47)

TKD4ever says...
12:30pm Fri 16 Jan 09

So at a time when people are losing jobs and those of us that still have them are taking pay cuts the council thinks it is okay to give itself a raise.
Tell the people from Honda who will be on 50% salary from now nntil the end of April at least.
Yet again the council shows how out of touch it is.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
12:37pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Words fail me.

Can we have the voting break down.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

localgirl80 says...
12:50pm Fri 16 Jan 09

This makes me feel sick - yet another kick in the teeth for us.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

erniebond says...
12:50pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Here we go again. Another rise on the cards. Some councillors do great work others do not. They get paid even if they do not attend meetings.If they were paid for what they did some would only be worth about 50% of what they get now. Lets not forget the other perks they get paid for when they get on PCT committees, etc etc. I only see some of my ward councillors when it is election time. Be happy with what you get and set an example and do not forget it is the people of Swindon who are paying your wages.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Sheridon says...
1:00pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Lib Dems can count on my vote next election

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Tadpoler says...
1:30pm Fri 16 Jan 09

All I ever see of council members is the bin fodder newsletters now and again. Nice to know what it is costing me.

And one of these leeches lives in my street.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

AllyT says...
1:46pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Outrageous. At least they will be able to pay their mortgages eh....

security word... poor pair
How ironic

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

firkhamhall says...
2:14pm Fri 16 Jan 09

So those who voted against the rise, are they going to donate the extra to charity or, will they just spend it but force themselves not to enjoy it?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

had enough says...
2:15pm Fri 16 Jan 09

let me get this straight, less council tax $ being paid as a result of high unemployment, in theory cuts in services. How can they justify having a raise, if logically less services meen less work?

whatever happened to the laws of supply and demand?

have i missed something here?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

NotALoony says...
2:50pm Fri 16 Jan 09

These Councillors clearly feel far too secure. Behaviour like this which attracts the opprobium of everyone, including their natural supporters, should remind them that nothing is 'for ever'.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Shirley Burnham says...
3:09pm Fri 16 Jan 09

I watched Stan Pajak get to his feet to make his point. Some councillors were rude enough to fidget and talk as he spoke and others' with expressionless faces sat like puddings, waiting to vote against him. Why was the public gallery not full? It's huge and I was alone, apart from a couple of officials. If no-one shows any interest, councillors are not called to account except by the Press. One solitary reporter is all that divides us from an Orwellian nightmare. Is that putting it too dramatically? I rose and left after that item, quite sickened. There will be another meeting on the 21st (6.00 p.m. Open Forum). All you people could come and say your piece. See you there !

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

P S Altery says...
3:29pm Fri 16 Jan 09

This shows that the state is out of control. At a time when families and companies are tightening their belts the state at both national and local level is deciding to expand and take even more of the cash we can't afford. Perhaps the Adver can let us know who voted for this so we can vote against them.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

yingtong says...
3:35pm Fri 16 Jan 09

I will be deducting thier percentage rise from my council tax and i will let them take me to court.Do these councillors live in the real world.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Geoff Reid says...
3:35pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Shirley Burnham wrote:
I watched Stan Pajak get to his feet to make his point. Some councillors were rude enough to fidget and talk as he spoke and others' with expressionless faces sat like puddings, waiting to vote against him. Why was the public gallery not full? It's huge and I was alone, apart from a couple of officials. If no-one shows any interest, councillors are not called to account except by the Press. One solitary reporter is all that divides us from an Orwellian nightmare. Is that putting it too dramatically? I rose and left after that item, quite sickened. There will be another meeting on the 21st (6.00 p.m. Open Forum). All you people could come and say your piece. See you there !

Attending a council meeting is similar to seeing a Christmas Panto, but with one significant difference for the punter.....

...the actors in the real pantomine are actually pleased to see members of the public there.

Shirley asks:

"One solitary reporter is all that divides us from an Orwellian nightmare. Is that putting it too dramatically?"

Well, yes and no is the answer. There are many others who take a regular and sincere interest in what our elected 'representatives' are up to, and you'll find many of them on the talkswindon.org forum, where they discuss topics exactly like this in great detail.

Why not put your head round the door and have a look?

wwwtalkswindonorg/index.php#4

Costs nothing to either join or register and new members are always welcome.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeGee says...
3:41pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Where are the councillors who usually comment on their decisions within these pages? Come on, let's be having you.

By the way. Loved the article in the Adver's sister paper, Bournemouth Echo, about the councillor who commented with nickname on the Echo website. He was using his alias to support his own political activities. Not the only one, me thinks.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

john c says...
5:11pm Fri 16 Jan 09

The discussion of pay / allowances for councillors should raise a wider debate into local government.
Do we want to leave the running of a multi-million pound business (SBC) in the hands of well meaning part-timers (£150 a week) or should it be run by a smaller group of full time people (paid a living wage). Larger wards fewer full time representation.
If we stick with the current system it limits the type of people who can do the job, you either have to have another job that is flexible enough to fit around council business, have a private income or be on a pension / benefit.
What do other think?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Always Grumpy says...
6:54pm Fri 16 Jan 09

They are all acting like typical politians, no matter what party they are from, - getting their grubby little snouts into the trough for more!

Time and time again they have seen their political masters doing exactly the same in Westminster, so they think, "why shouldn't we do the same?"

So they do!

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

TheCleverOne says...
7:16pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Why are they getting such pay rises when they are very unhelpful and are rude!
How much is the council tax going to go up this year then to cover these lazy councillors?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Captain Sensible says...
7:45pm Fri 16 Jan 09

How dare these useless incompetant parasites vote themselves a hike in allowances! Who the hell do they think they are?, still its all on the council taxpayer who already pays out an outrageously high amount to feather the nests of these greedy 'noses in the trough' pigs.They disgust me, and ought to be ashamed of themselves, but being grasping idle self serving lowlife they don't care.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
7:57pm Fri 16 Jan 09

UKIP's Press Release (it wasn't published)
On the day that we are told that Honda will be shutting now for four months, instead of two, and with a reduction in salary of 50% for the workers, UKIP Swindon are staggered by the decision of Swindon Borough Councils elected representatives to award themselves an allowance increase.

No amount of justification by the council leader will disguise the shock and anger of the people of Swindon for this crass and insensitive decision.

The people and businesses of Swindon are struggling just to live and, and our councillors contemptuously agree to this increase.

Robert Feal-Martinez, UKIPs Chairman and PPC for South Swindon.
" Councillors should be setting an example and actually reducing their allowances at this time, the Borough we are told is facing a reduction in Local Government support from Westminster and yet the councillors will get a greater slice of a smaller loaf. This is totally unacceptable and I call on the Councillors to reverse this decision. Politics and Politicians are generally considered to be dirty words, is it any wonder when this happens."

UKIP Swindon Branch

Carpenters Arms
South Marston

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

erniebond says...
8:10pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Well said Shirley and Geoff. They are rude and do not listen as I found out last Tuesday night. Yes I have been to several. Sadly in this panto they even forgot their lines. Will I go again or will I stay home and watch paint dry?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Jo-Ent says...
10:40pm Fri 16 Jan 09

OK, some facts - because the Adver has given totally the wrong impression here. The independent, non-political remuneration panel recommended a far bigger increase in allowances. But the Conservative cabinet rejected that, and instead limited the increase to the same level as council staff. And they rejected completely the panel's recommendation of extra allowances for IT provision (ie free computers) and more money for some committee chairs.

The fact is, most councillors work extremely hard for their local residents. They could earn a great deal more if they did a full-time job with a similar workload.

And they can't win. Tadpoler, you complain about the newsletters sent to you and describe them as 'bin fodder'. If you didn't receive them, I bet you'd be the first to complain that you never hear from your councillor.

This was a cynical attempt by the tiny LibDem contingent to try and appear whiter than white....but knowing full well that they'd still get the increased allowances like all other councillors.

I know I'm fighting against the tide here, but things aren't always as black and white as they seem.



Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
11:26pm Fri 16 Jan 09

Bobfm wrote:
UKIP's Press Release (it wasn't published) On the day that we are told that Honda will be shutting now for four months, instead of two, and with a reduction in salary of 50% for the workers, UKIP Swindon are staggered by the decision of Swindon Borough Councils elected representatives to award themselves an allowance increase. No amount of justification by the council leader will disguise the shock and anger of the people of Swindon for this crass and insensitive decision. The people and businesses of Swindon are struggling just to live and, and our councillors contemptuously agree to this increase. Robert Feal-Martinez, UKIPs Chairman and PPC for South Swindon. " Councillors should be setting an example and actually reducing their allowances at this time, the Borough we are told is facing a reduction in Local Government support from Westminster and yet the councillors will get a greater slice of a smaller loaf. This is totally unacceptable and I call on the Councillors to reverse this decision. Politics and Politicians are generally considered to be dirty words, is it any wonder when this happens." UKIP Swindon Branch Carpenters Arms South Marston
Says the PPC who is trying to get his muddy trotters into the trough!

I suppose the UKIP MEP's don't claim what they can... the solitary soon to be ex UKIP MP Mr. Spink doesn't claim his full wage... and I suppose the list of UKIP local councillors (I don't know how many there are because it seems incredibly difficult to get a comprehensive list!)... will also be ploughing their extra cash back into the local community.

More utter hypocrisy!

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
9:52am Sat 17 Jan 09

Once again PeeveD shows his personal gripes, rather than comment about the article or others comments, such as Jo-Ent who does not declare being a Tory activist.

The fact remains that my group within Swindon have consistently held the view that Councillors are not forced to stand for election and should only receive genuine out of pocket expenses, which is why UKIP objects to the cabinet system of this council.

The council spends huge sums of money on employing Directors, who one is supposed to believe are up to running the day to day work of the council. The Councillors should be setting the 'frame work' and directing the employees and this can be done in the conventional maner with greater participation by all councillors, not 'closed' decisions by a few.

As for UKIP councillors in other parts of the country, I cannot speak for them, or Bob Spink, what I can say however is that a good number of our MEP's use their pay to support the party. Graham Booth who recently stepped down on health grounds actually pays for are HeadQuarters out of his wages. Other MEP's in our group fund, leaflet campains and many other local and regional events. I doubt that could be said of the 3 main parties, either locally regional, nationally or internationally, in fact at a Nation level, Harriet Harmen is trying to exempt MP's once again from scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act. Are other parties objecting to this. Not on your life.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Big Mac says...
10:10am Sat 17 Jan 09

Any councillor who disagrees with the raise is perfectly at liberty to return the additional money, or give it to charity.

Let's see who does so.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
11:38am Sat 17 Jan 09

It will probably go to a good cause, their own parties funds.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Captain T says...
11:40am Sat 17 Jan 09

So in the week that SBC decide the Groundwell Park & Ride costs too much to run and it should be mothballed due to funding cuts, the councillors who arrived at this decision vote themselves a pay rise.

To say it smacks of hypocrisy doesn't even begin to cover it

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Rusty23 says...
2:16pm Sat 17 Jan 09

Getting a rise in the Councillors allowance does seem a little strange. However, I am surprised at how little they get. If I had to guess I would have said a lot more.

I've done some calculations and I have worked out that the rise will cost residents slightly less than 6p each year. I think I would keep this in perspective. Probably, as Brown has sent the economy in downfall, the Council will have to work harder to meet the increased demand for services and will call a lot more on their time.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

James Wallin says...
3:41pm Sat 17 Jan 09

In response to the questions about who voted - as far as I could tell it was everyone except for the three Lib Dems and Coun Glaholm.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
5:30pm Sat 17 Jan 09

Bobfm wrote:
Once again PeeveD shows his personal gripes, rather than comment about the article or others comments, such as Jo-Ent who does not declare being a Tory activist. The fact remains that my group within Swindon have consistently held the view that Councillors are not forced to stand for election and should only receive genuine out of pocket expenses, which is why UKIP objects to the cabinet system of this council. The council spends huge sums of money on employing Directors, who one is supposed to believe are up to running the day to day work of the council. The Councillors should be setting the 'frame work' and directing the employees and this can be done in the conventional maner with greater participation by all councillors, not 'closed' decisions by a few. As for UKIP councillors in other parts of the country, I cannot speak for them, or Bob Spink, what I can say however is that a good number of our MEP's use their pay to support the party. Graham Booth who recently stepped down on health grounds actually pays for are HeadQuarters out of his wages. Other MEP's in our group fund, leaflet campains and many other local and regional events. I doubt that could be said of the 3 main parties, either locally regional, nationally or internationally, in fact at a Nation level, Harriet Harmen is trying to exempt MP's once again from scrutiny under the Freedom of Information Act. Are other parties objecting to this. Not on your life.
1. No personal gripe here Bobette. Sorry to dent your ego but you barely register on my gripe meter!
2. Your "group" may have a view but your "group" are so insignificant your opinion is as valid as the man in the street.
3. As a self styled representative of "I wanna" KIP why can't you speak for others in your "party"? Do they not allow you the small level of openness that the others enjoy?
4. How many local councilors do UKIP have? And how many of them were elected on the UKIP mandate (i.e. unlike the Spink man who got elected on a TORY mandate then dumped on those who voted him in!)

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
6:26pm Sat 17 Jan 09

Peeved the more you post the more childish you get. May I suggest the Beano is probably a more suitable medium for you.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
6:35pm Sat 17 Jan 09

Bobfm wrote:
Peeved the more you post the more childish you get. May I suggest the Beano is probably a more suitable medium for you.
4. How many local councilors do UKIP have? And how many of them were elected on the UKIP mandate (i.e. unlike the Spink man who got elected on a TORY mandate then dumped on those who voted him in!)

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Casual Observer says...
9:42pm Sat 17 Jan 09

PeeveD, Bob-ola won't answer you tonight - with this storm outside he's probably rearranging his precious collection of bellybutton fluff into alphabetical order or polishing his bumconkers.

Security word: 'whiskey-bob'

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Everhopeful says...
7:29am Sun 18 Jan 09

erniebond wrote:
Well said Shirley and Geoff. They are rude and do not listen as I found out last Tuesday night. Yes I have been to several. Sadly in this panto they even forgot their lines. Will I go again or will I stay home and watch paint dry?
Please go again -- They count on us to stay at home and watch paint dry. If you come at 6.00 just for Open Forum, you can watch paint again by 6.30

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
11:08am Sun 18 Jan 09

CO and we believe your security world don't we CO. Just for the record I hate whiskey.

All the councillors UKIP across the country have been elected and re-elected on their UKIP mandate.

As if to prove your childishness PeeveD you ask a question you already know the answer too about local councillors.

Nice to see your playmate has spotted your post.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

I Too says...
1:00pm Sun 18 Jan 09

"Other suggestions, including an IT allowance and extra money for Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny committees, were rejected by the cabinet. "

There's your answer Erniebond. The councillors would so prefer that nobody went, to see them act like school children, and ignore public opinion, that they don't want to buy chairs, for the public to sit on.
Keep going and informing the people of this site of your findings.
Thankyou for attending, on behalf of the public. Keep up the good work

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
2:20pm Sun 18 Jan 09

Bobfm wrote:
CO and we believe your security world don't we CO. Just for the record I hate whiskey. All the councillors UKIP across the country have been elected and re-elected on their UKIP mandate. As if to prove your childishness PeeveD you ask a question you already know the answer too about local councillors. Nice to see your playmate has spotted your post.
1.UKIP councilors may well have been elected on a UKIP mandate but your ONLY soon to be ousted MP wasn't!
2. I do not know the number of UKIP councilors and I seem to have great difficulty in finding such information. Why so coy on answering the straightest of straight questions? How many UKIP councilors are there?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
6:42pm Sun 18 Jan 09

PeeveD so you accept that your question re local councillors was childish.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
7:02pm Sun 18 Jan 09

Sorry Bob.... How Many?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Geoff Reid says...
12:26am Mon 19 Jan 09

James Wallin wrote:
In response to the questions about who voted - as far as I could tell it was everyone except for the three Lib Dems and Coun Glaholm.

Hi James.

I bet there was no talk amongst the members of the vote being recorded though....

A couple of questions for all the contributors to this thread:

Q1: If proceedings in the council chamber could be broadcast on the internet, how many of us would watch them?

Q2: If broadcasting council meetings added £5 to your yearly council tax bill, would you be happy to pay it?

My answer is yes to both questions.... I'm almost sure every councillor would be completely against the idea.


Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
8:35am Mon 19 Jan 09

Geoff Reid wrote:
James Wallin wrote: In response to the questions about who voted - as far as I could tell it was everyone except for the three Lib Dems and Coun Glaholm.
Hi James. I bet there was no talk amongst the members of the vote being recorded though.... A couple of questions for all the contributors to this thread: Q1: If proceedings in the council chamber could be broadcast on the internet, how many of us would watch them? Q2: If broadcasting council meetings added £5 to your yearly council tax bill, would you be happy to pay it? My answer is yes to both questions.... I'm almost sure every councillor would be completely against the idea.
Great post Geoff. Couldn't agree more.
Anything that improves accountability for us has got to be a good thing.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobfm says...
8:51am Mon 19 Jan 09

PeeveD, the total number of councillors as far as I can determine is 20 or 21. I did what you could have done, I looked it up. Amazing thing the internet.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
9:57am Mon 19 Jan 09

I tried.... I bow down to your vast superior knowledge on all things internet related.
Mind you I did look on the UKIP site and couldn't find the info there... which was a little strange!
20 or 21 then... not really worth a toss are they?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
10:29am Mon 19 Jan 09

One more thing Bob... at least the councilors are being up front about their finances... unlike Messrs Mote and Wise eh?

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobadon says...
11:02am Tue 20 Jan 09

Bobfm wrote:
CO and we believe your security world don't we CO. Just for the record I hate whiskey. All the councillors UKIP across the country have been elected and re-elected on their UKIP mandate. As if to prove your childishness PeeveD you ask a question you already know the answer too about local councillors. Nice to see your playmate has spotted your post.
I am afraid you are wrong BobFM and you know it dont you.

UKIP have 15 councillors at district or county level.

10 have been elected - 5 have defected from other parties.

Therefore your statement that all UKIP counicllors have been elected or re elected on a UKIP mandate is FALSE.

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

PeeveD says...
12:14pm Tue 20 Jan 09

Bobadon wrote:
Bobfm wrote: CO and we believe your security world don't we CO. Just for the record I hate whiskey. All the councillors UKIP across the country have been elected and re-elected on their UKIP mandate. As if to prove your childishness PeeveD you ask a question you already know the answer too about local councillors. Nice to see your playmate has spotted your post.
I am afraid you are wrong BobFM and you know it dont you. UKIP have 15 councillors at district or county level. 10 have been elected - 5 have defected from other parties. Therefore your statement that all UKIP counicllors have been elected or re elected on a UKIP mandate is FALSE.
Thanks Bobadon..... Where did you find the info?
UKIP are certainly not boasting about this on their site!

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

Bobadon says...
9:10am Wed 21 Jan 09

PeeveD wrote:
Bobadon wrote:
Bobfm wrote: CO and we believe your security world don't we CO. Just for the record I hate whiskey. All the councillors UKIP across the country have been elected and re-elected on their UKIP mandate. As if to prove your childishness PeeveD you ask a question you already know the answer too about local councillors. Nice to see your playmate has spotted your post.
I am afraid you are wrong BobFM and you know it dont you. UKIP have 15 councillors at district or county level. 10 have been elected - 5 have defected from other parties. Therefore your statement that all UKIP counicllors have been elected or re elected on a UKIP mandate is FALSE.
Thanks Bobadon..... Where did you find the info? UKIP are certainly not boasting about this on their site!
From this site where Bob also gives people his intellect. The Councillor bit is a sticky at the top:-

http://www.democracy
forum.co.uk/ukip-gen
eral-issues/

Report this post »    Register/Log In »

More News stories


Most popular



Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »

Local Businesses