Each Council is required to establish an Independent Remuneration Panel to advise on the allowances that should be paid to members. The current scheme of allowances was adopted in October 2003 (and amended annually), following the recommendations of an Independent Panel. At the end of each financial year the Council must publish a list of allowances paid to councillors in that year.
Basic allowance is a flat rate allowance payable equally to all members. The current basic allowance is £12,914. Basic allowance is intended to recognise the time commitment of all councillors, including such inevitable calls on their time as meetings with officers and constituents and attendance at political group meetings. It is also intended to cover incidental costs such as the use of their homes and telephones.
Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) is an extra allowance payable to councillors who have significant additional responsibilities such as the Leader of the Council, members of the Executive and chairs of committees. The amount of Special Responsibility Allowance varies according to the type of responsibility and is based on a percentage of the Leader's allowance.
Travel and Subsistence Allowances recompense councillors for the cost of travel, accommodation and meals whilst on council business. Bradford Councillors, in common with elected members across the country, are required to undertake a wide range of representational duties on behalf of the Council, these duties may incur national travel and are reflected in the Statement of Councillors earnings.
