No pay rise for council chiefs (From Daily Echo)
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No pay rise for Winchester council chiefs
11:10am Monday 18th February 2013 in News
No pay rise for council chiefs
WINCHESTER council chiefs have ruled out awarding themselves a pay increase this year.
A Cabinet report had recommended a general increase to allow for inflation.
But Conservative council leader Keith Wood said allowances should be frozen along with staff wages in the current economic climate.
However, petrol expenses are set to go up from 40p to 45p per mile in line with mileage rates recommended by the Inland Revenue.
Currently, backbench councillors receive a basic allowance of £5,580 per year.
On top of this, Cabinet members are paid special responsibility allowances in the region of £7,000 and the council leader £15,576.
This will be the second year running allowances have been frozen and comes after a five per cent cut in 2011.
As previously reported, the £15.4m draft budget for 2013-14 will see council tax frozen for the second year running.
The average band D charge will remain at £126.27.
The full council will vote on the draft budget on February 24.
