Councillors set to see pay rise - but mayor is facing cutback

COUNCILLORS in Swansea are in line for a £268 rise next year.

The 1.97% increase would take their salary to £13,868, but not everyone would benefit by the proposals set out by the group which sets councillors’ pay Wales-wide.

The draft report by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) proposes a £1,732 cut to the Lord Mayor’s salary and a £732 cut to the Deputy Lord Mayor’s. Their respective salaries would be £22,568 and £17,568.

The IRPW’S proposals will be discussed at a democratic services committee meeting on November 6 prior to a council report setting out a formal reply.

The proposals also include a £800 rise for council leader Rob Stewart, who would be paid £54,100, and £800 rises for cabinet members. If adopted, the changes to pay would cost the authority £22,152 in 2019/20 and thereafter.

Councillor Peter Black, who chairs the committee, said: “My view is that being a councillor is a part-time job, and I think £13,600 (the current salary) is perfectly adequate.

“Given the difficulties facing local Government in terms of finding money to pay for services, and the fact that many council employees have had very small pay rises, I think it’s very difficult to justify.”

The IRPW has also proposed that all town and community councils pay their councillors £150 per year as a contribution to costs and expenses, plus a £500 senior salary to a minimum of one and maximum of five members in recognition of specific responsibilities.

My view is that being a councillor is a parttime job, and I think £13,600 (the current salary) is perfectly adequate

- Councillor Peter Black