Dacorum councillors agree to pay rise for first time since 2008

Councillors have agreed to increase their allowance for the first time since 2008 - after it was recommended by an independent remuneration panel.
Council leader Andrew Williams said the increase recognises the hard work put in by councillorsCouncil leader Andrew Williams said the increase recognises the hard work put in by councillors
Council leader Andrew Williams said the increase recognises the hard work put in by councillors

Ward councillors at Dacorum Borough Council currently receive a basic allowance of £4,951 a year - while for cabinet members it’s £9,902.

The allowance has remained frozen since 2009, with councillors previously rejecting independent advice from the panel to increase it.

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This year however they have finally agreed to implement a 2.1 per cent increase recommended by the panel.

Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said: “The elected members of the council receive allowances in recognition of the time, work and costs involved in representing Dacorum residents.

“To recognise these contributions a 2.1 per cent increase has been approved.

“The Dacorum Councillors’ Basic Allowance had not been increased since 2008 and had fallen below the average for other Hertfordshire Borough Councils and the percentage rise takes this, and the national inflation figure into account.”

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A 2.1 per cent increase will see Cllr Williams’ allowance as leader of the council increase by £312 from £14,853 to £15,165 a year.

Councillor Janice Marshall is the portfolio holder for environmental, sustainability and regulatory services.

Over previous years she had declined to increase her allowance, but decided to follow the recommendations of the panel this year.

She said: “I have to admit that it is a bit embarrassing to give yourself an increase.

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“But we need to think of the message that the council is sending out.

“Being a councillor involves a lot of extra work - for some on top of a regular job.

People thinking of becoming a councillor should know that that work is valued.”