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Response to TPA report on councillor allowances

"The overwhelming majority of councils have either frozen or reduced their allowances and nationally the average figure has fallen.

"Councillors play a vital role in local communities and typically spend more than 20 hours each week working on behalf of residents. The average allowance is around £7,000 per year and, given the time commitment involved, the motivation to be a councillor is clearly not the remuneration.

"Councillors receive financial support for the time they give so that people from all walks of life are able to take part in local politics. Providing financial support ensures that local democracy does not become the preserve of the privileged few who can afford to give their time for free.

"Allowances are a matter for individual local authorities and are decided democratically on the advice of independent remuneration panels. Residents have the opportunity to hold their councillors to account in both the council chamber and at the ballot box if they feel they are not getting value for money."

Notes to editors

The LGA represents councils in England and Wales. Out of the 375 councils in England and Wales, 242 reported no change in allowances, 70 implemented a cut and 63 introduced an increase. Nationally the overall average allowance fell by 0.2 per cent over 2010/11.

Read the media release on the TaxPayers' Alliance website:

TaxPayers' Alliance reveals highest and lowest paid councillors in the UK

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