Last night at Mid Suffolk we considered the Independant Remunration Panel  recommendation that we should increase our allowances in line with the average increase in earnings, 2.7%.  In the current economic mess when people are losing their jobs and taking wage cuts increasing our allowances appeared totally unreasonable.  A zero allowance increase was proposed and agreed.

For those who wonder what Councillors get the rate for an ordinary member is £3,684.  The amount of work done varies with the councillor and I doubt that many of us measure it accurately.  Ten hours a week would make the hourly rate £7.37.  However most councillors do far more than that not only preparing for and attending meetings to take decisions that effect lives throughout Mid Suffolk but also investigating issues for the people they represent.