Craven Herald News

North Yorkshire County Council members agree freeze on allowances

1:50pm Friday 27th January 2012

Politicians in North Yorkshire have agreed to freeze their own pay in light of the cash crisis facing public authorities.

North Yorkshire County Council was asked to consider councillors’ allowances for 2012/13 and voted against any rise.

Councillors’ basic allowances remain at £8,994 a year, with additional payments for those with extra responsibilities, such as cabinet members or committee chairmen.

The decision followed a report from an independent panel, which was set up two years ago to advise the council on pay.

In its report, the panel said it considered various factors including the prospect for any public sector pay increases for staff next year, the rate of inflation and the “general economic situation”.

The county council must save £69 million between 2011 and 2015 to balance the books because of reduced funding as part of the Government’s spending cuts.

• Email this page