Sharp End Priority

Mr Harbron's letter "Sharp End Priority" (29^th December) raises a very important point about the allowances paid to local councillors.

Liberal Democrat members of Stockton Council recognise that in order to be properly representative of local people, allowances need to be at such a level that all people can afford to stand as councillors. At the time of writing our basic allowance is £9,300 and this is based on a figure recommended by an independent panel.

At the Council meeting on 2^nd March 2011, Liberal Democrats asked that the "Special Responsibility Allowances" (SRA's) paid to those with positions of extra responsibility be re-considered in light of the cuts facing front line council staff and services. The motion was lost as other political parties voted against the idea.

Since then, the Independent Remuneration Panel has looked at the issue and some changes are being proposed at the Cabinet meeting on 12^th January for decision by full council on 18^th January.

Stockton Lib Dem's do believe that we should "share the pain" and that SRA's should be reduced and limited in the number and total paid to any one member. BUT the basic allowance has to be such that it is not only those older, retired people with a good pension who can afford to represent their local communities.

Further details of allowances paid to Stockton councillors can be found on the council website under "member's allowances".

Cllr Julia Cherrett