Council agrees pay rise for its members (From Barry And District News)

Council agrees pay rise for its members

INDEPENDENT Vale of Glamorgan members have hit out at other councillors who did not vote against a motion to increase allowances.

Llantwit Major councillor John Readman wanted all councillors to vote in favour of reduced allowances because of the reduction in the Assembly Government grants.

In November the Assembly announced that the Vale of Glamorgan would receive one of the lowest subsidies in the country - 200 less per person than neighbouring boroughs.

He said: "I think the reduction in expenses would be worth a lot of money which could be spent on services for the taxpayer."

Independent councillors, Gwyn John, Eric Hacker and John Readman put a motion forward to reduce the basic allowance and special responsibility allowance.

The motion read'In recognition of the anticipated reduced level of revenue support grant from the Welsh Assembly and the revaluation of banding of domestic properties this council wishes to demonstrate it's commitment to saving money by agreeing to reductions in allowances. The basic allowance for all elected members be reduced by ten percent and the special responsibility allowances be reduced by 20 percent.'

Cllr John said: "These measures will result in savings of around 100,000. This could be ploughed back into essential services."

But at the full Vale of Glamorgan Council meeting members agreed to increase allowances.