Wokingham Borough councillors have voted to link their allowances to the Consumer Prices Index, creating automatic annual increases - a move approved after scrutiny of council finances during the cost of living crisis.
The decision follows revelations that 17 paid officers earn more than £100,000, with the chief executive on £186,120. That sits alongside median UK earnings of £32,890, or £39,039 for full-time workers.
Back‑bench councillors get a basic £7,784 a year, with extra special responsibility allowances for senior roles. An independent remuneration panel recommended the CPI link to protect allowances from being eroded by inflation - but councillors were split on whether automatic increases are right now.
Cllr Rachel Burgess (Labour) warned against the change. She said: "Others will say that neighbouring councils pay more. But frankly, so what? I believe that councillor allowances, funded by public money, should always be subject to public scrutiny and democratic accountability every single year."
Council leader Cllr Stephen Conway (Lib Dem) defended the move as following independent advice rather than political self-interest. He said: "The 'pay rise' was actually a vote to adopt the recommendations of an independent remuneration panel. It links councillor allowances, which have remained static since 2017 and so have sharply declined in value, to CPI."
Cllr Imogen Shepherd‑Dubey (Lib Dem) pointed out Wokingham's low starting rate. She said: "It is the lowest in Berkshire. At £7,784 per year these allowances are in place so that no one who serves as a councillor is out of pocket for doing so. If considered a salary, the remuneration it's far below the minimum wage."
Burgess argued the change removes democratic oversight. She said: "This proposal sets automatic pay increases every year with no debate, locking in permanent annual increases year after year."
She added: "A few years ago CPI rose to over 11 per cent. This proposal would have locked us into an obscene rise."
Conway said the adjustment is modest and necessary to stop real‑terms erosion. He said: "It's not in reality a rise but an attempt to stop remuneration value being eroded still further."
Cllr Lou Timlin (Lib Dem) stressed the access issue: "Public service is harder to access for people without sufficient time and financial security or flexible employment."
She added: "Diverse representation in local government matters. However in England only 36 percent of local councillors are women."
And: "Research also suggests that around half of council chambers do not reflect the racial diversity of their communities and the average age of a local councillor is 60."
Conway pointed to Wokingham's position again: "Wokingham has the lowest councillor allowances in Berkshire, and amongst the lowest in the country. The allowance covers necessary expenses and offers very modest compensation for disruption to family and working life caused by evening meetings."
Burgess rejected the idea higher pay would necessarily improve diversity. She said: "Some will argue that higher allowances are necessary to improve diversity. But that argument does not stand up to scrutiny. For most councillors this allowance is not intended to replace employment income."
Conway summed up the role of the panel: "The panel exists to ensure allowances are fair, consistent and in line with national practice, while maintaining the ability of people from all backgrounds to serve." Councillors voted to approve the proposals.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
