Kettering Constituency Labour Party

COUNCILLORS ALLOWANCES

Local Councillors should be reimbursed for the work they do and we must avoid a situation where an unemployed person, pensioner or single parent is unable able to take a full part in the democratic process for financial reasons.

It is right that Councillors allowances should be set by an Independent Review Panel but it should always be remebered that it is local taxpayers who pick up the bill.

Former Council Leader Phil Sawford says

'I resigned from the Council in September 1997 having been elected to Parliament in May. So the last full year I did as Leader of the Council was from April 1996 to 5th April 1997.

My total payment for that period was £1725.78 which included a Special Resposibility Allowance, Attendance Allowance (for over 90 meetings) and Travel Expenses.

I was happy to serve the community for £33 a week.'

So has Kettering Kettering Borough Council got it right ?

What do you think ?