Lib Dems reject pay increase for Councillors (Aldershot Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Aldershot Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@aldershotlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems reject pay increase for Councillors

August 1, 2008 8:00 PM

Local Liberal Democrats outside the offices of Rushmoor Borough Council Rushmoor's Conservative Councillors have voted for an above inflation increase in the allowance paid to local Councillors. Liberal Democrat Opposition Councillors all voted against the increase and have asked not to be given the extra allowance.

There will be a 6.1% increase in the basic Councillors' allowance and a 12% increase for the leadership.

Cllr Charlie Fraser-Fleming said, "I'm sure most people would love a pay rise even higher than the current inflation rate, but we're elected to serve the public not line our pockets."

Farnborough Lib Dem Councillor Craig Card said, "We did not feel it appropriate to award ourselves a pay increase even higher than the current inflation rate at a time when many residents are struggling to pay the bills. Our allowance is paid out of their Council Tax and we're here to represent their interests not our own."

Aldershot Lib Dem Councillor, Paul Bowers said, "It is disgraceful that, at a time when pay rises have been capped due to the economic slow down, Tory councillors feel they are entitled to an above inflation rise. When Aldershot is in crisis due to the failure to develop Westgate or revive The Galleries shopping centre, Council Tax payers' money should go on improving our towns not into Councillors' back pockets!"