Pay freeze is agreed by county staff

COUNTY councillors have agreed not to increase their allowances next year in the wake of a national pay freeze for many public sector workers.

The pay freeze proposal, which affects workers on a salary of more than £24,000, was put forward as part of the Government’s Spending Review in November.

It has been met with criticism by some, who have described it as a kick in the teeth for those who have worked on the frontline during the pandemic.

Now Staffordshire County Council’s elected members have agreed to a freeze of their own.

Currently, county councillors can claim a basic allowance of up to £9,786.35 for the year April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021.

Councillor David Brookes put forward a motion at this week’s full council meeting.

Councillor Charlotte Atkins, above, leader of the opposition group, said Labour members would be supporting the motion.

But she added: “A pay freeze for our own council staff, teachers, health workers, fire and police is an insult to the frontline workers who have worked so hard to protect our communities.”

Council leader Alan White said in a statement: “Dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and protecting lives and livelihoods has been our top priority and, from the outset, we have done and spent what is needed.

“We have already had significant financial support from Government of over £80 million, which is helping us in the current year, but the future is less certain.

“The Chancellor made it clear the economic emergency from the pandemic has only just begun and, with this, also announced a pay freeze for public sector workers outside the NHS, which is a reflection on the economic picture and certainly not on the hard work of staff such as those here at the county council.”