Statement of Councillors' Earnings

All British Councils are required to set up an independent panel to advice on councillors’ pay.

At the end of each financial year, Bradford Council publishes a list of allowances paid to councillors. Bradford’s current scheme was adopted in 2003 following the recommendations of an independent panel.

The current basic allowance of £13,463.16 is paid equally to all elected members.

This is intended to recognise councillor commitments including time spent in meetings with officers and constituents, and attendance at political meetings. It also covers any additional expenses such as using their homes and telephones.

An extra payment, The Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) is paid to councillors who have significant additional responsibilities such as duties associated with being the Leader of the Council, a member of the Executive or a chair of a committee.

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 compensate councillors for costs of travel, accommodation and meals whilst on Council business.

Bradford Councillors, in common with other British elected members, are required to undertake a wide range of representational duties on behalf of the Council. These duties may incur travel costs which are included in the statement of councillors’ earnings.

Note:

The independent remuneration panel did not report between 2006 and 2011 because the only change to the allowances was the annual adjustment of allowances.

The 2006 independent remuneration panel report recommended “to continue with the annual adjustment of Members Allowances in line with the Local Government pay settlement, up to and including 1st October 2009”.

There was no annual increase in 2010 and 2011 because there was no Local Government pay settlement. Allowances were frozen and there was no other reason for the independent remuneration panel to meet or report.