Hounslow Council Approves Allowance Increases for Councillors
The Labour-led Hounslow Council is set to increase councillor allowances, including a rise of almost £16,000 for the leader, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat. His allowance will increase from £44,312 a year to £60,000. The basic allowance for all councillors will rise to £15,000 a year, up from £13,048.
Conservatives Slam Decision
The Conservatives have condemned the decision, calling it evidence of "what Labour's priorities really are." Councillor Jack Emsley, Leader of the Conservatives, said his party will vote against the proposals. He noted that while the increases are lower than an independent panel recommended, the number of Labour members proposed to receive additional allowances is concerning. "The fact that this will be one of the first votes since the election shows us what Labour's priorities really are," he said. "The independent recommendations on allowances are quite clear that no more than half of councillors should receive an additional allowance, however Labour's system would see 81% of councillors given extra money. Incredibly, all but four Labour councillors are in line for an additional allowance under this scheme."
Biggest Winners and Losers
The biggest winners in the allowance proposals are the Vice Chair of the Planning Committee, Labour Brent West Councillor Craig Owen, with a rise of 89.56% – from £5,539 to £10,500 – and the leader of the second minority party, Reform UK's Tony Brown (Feltham West), who will see a 482.98% increase from £1,328 to £7,742 per year. Some Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) will drop, such as Area Forum Chairs, whose allowance will fall from £8,508 a year to £7,500.
Labour's Response
A Hounslow Labour spokesperson responded to the criticism: "It's easy politics to grandstand about opposing pay rises for politicians. A better test will be to see if the Conservatives accept their new allowances." They added: "The Independent Panel is there to provide guidance only. That is why the proposed pay increases in Hounslow are lower than those outlined in the report." The spokesperson also noted that in Scotland and Wales, councillor pay is set by an independent government commission, and both recommend better remuneration.
Independent Panel Recommendations
The Independent Panel Report for the Remuneration of Councillors in London in 2023 recommended a basic allowance of £15,960 – £960 more than the proposed changes – and a total package for a London Council Leader of £78,050, which is £18,050 higher than the new proposals. In Scotland and Wales, basic allowances are significantly higher (£20,099 and £17,600). Hounslow Council must have regard to this report but does not need to follow its recommendations in full.
Council's Rationale
A Hounslow Labour spokesperson said: "This administration is reforming councillor allowances with two priorities in mind: to make public service more accessible and to provide greater transparency. Nobody goes into local politics for the money. But money shouldn't be the thing that stops people entering public life. By recognising the significant time and career sacrifices that councillors make, it is hoped that more local people from different backgrounds will be able to enter politics." They added that the old system was not fit for purpose, and the new system will match councillor remuneration to the minimum time commitment expected for every position, creating greater transparency and accountability.
Next Steps
The proposals will go before full council on Tuesday, July 21.
