Changes to Cabinet member allowances

An independent panel has recommended that Cabinet member allowances should increase to reflect fair remuneration for their additional responsibility compared to that of the previous chair of a committee. 

Cabinet members took on these roles when the council moved from a committee to a cabinet model in May 2024.

At the Annual Council meeting on 22 May, councillors will be presented with recommendations from the independent panel to increase annual Cabinet member allowances from £12,938 to £14,797.

Reason for the change

When councillor allowances were presented to Annual Council in 2024, it was agreed there should be a further review by the independent panel following the introduction of a cabinet system.

The special responsibility allowances for Cabinet members agreed in 2024 were based on an assessment of an anticipated workload rather than actual hours worked and set at the same percentage of the leader’s allowance (35%) as the former committee chairs’ allowance.

In March this year, the independent panel surveyed and met with councillors.

It was apparent from these discussions that Cabinet members had a bigger role than a chair of a committee, in terms of accountability, time commitment, complexity and overall impact of the role.

The amount was also considered low in comparison to other comparable councils, where Cabinet members receive between 40% and 50% of the leader’s allowance.

Following this review, the panel proposed just one adjustment to member allowances – that Cabinet member allowances are increased. No other changes were recommended.

Council leader Bella Sankey said: “Ensuring member allowances are set at a fair level is vital if we want to attract and retain councillors from all walks of life. We need people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to reflect the communities we serve.

“Much of a councillor’s work is carried out voluntarily, often alongside other jobs or caring responsibilities, and no one should be discouraged from serving their community because of financial barriers.

“I’m grateful to the independent panel for their detailed recommendations. By setting allowances appropriately, we can support Cabinet members to dedicate the time and energy needed to lead effectively and deliver for the city.”

More information

All local authorities are legally required to appoint an independent remuneration panel (IRP) to advise on the terms and conditions of councillors’ allowances to ensure they offer fair remuneration for carrying out their duties.

The three-member panel is appointed through an independent recruitment process; they cannot work for a council but do need to have a wide range of public sector knowledge and experience.

A councillor’s role is voluntary, so allowances should provide reasonable financial compensation for expenses and time in relation to their role, not payment for their work.

Councillors may also claim the cost of travel and subsistence expenses and for expenditure on the care of children or dependants while on approved councillor duties.

Cabinet members receive special responsibility allowances to recognise the significant additional responsibilities that come with their role.

Read the full IRP report into councillor allowances.