Councillors’ thought process inexplicable

Sometimes leading articles like this do not come easy. The paper takes a view on a particular subject but then needs to evaluate objectively the various aspects and sides of an argument in order to come up with a subjective case. You weigh up the different elements (usually two) and confirm in a nuanced and reasonable way that the path you set out on is valid.

This week, the task is far more straightforward because it’s about county councillors awarding themselves a pay rise. Not a minor one just to keep up with the cost of living this year, but a whopping 15%.

What is inexplicable is what on earth they were thinking. To start off with we should state that we have no problem with our elected representatives being sensibly recompensed for their time.

Yes, they have put themselves forward to serve in a political post, but they will have to put the yards in if they are to do a decent job. Their lives will be disrupted and inconvenienced a bit and if they really throw themselves into the job the hours will pile up

And yes, it is true, our county councillors haven’t had a rise for nine years. But when the private sector and public sectors finally get a decent one anywhere near inflation, you can bet your bottom dollar it won’t be 15%. Pay increases won’t be backdated, as our councillors have seen fit to award themselves. Not only that, they have ignored the recommendations of an independent panel they appointed and have taken the decision two months after the election and given themselves 10 times as much. Some might say that is cowardly, more serious critics would call it cynically opportunistic.

At a time when public sector pay is such a sensitive subject it shows colossal arrogance and a tin ear to public discourse that makes the chancellor Philip Hammond look wholly in touch with the public mood.