Councillor Allowances

Councillor Allowances

Legal Framework & Practical Considerations

Understanding the rules, reviews and realities of allowances in local councils

This session brings together legal context, local evidence and sector perspectives to help parish and town councils understand the options available to them.

We are delighted to welcome Graham Russell as our keynote presenter. Graham is a former Head of Democratic Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council and has developed considerable expertise in the field of members’ allowances. He has chaired a number of Independent Remuneration Panels (IRPs), including the review of parish and town council allowances in Stroud District, and previously produced guidance on members’ allowances for South West Councils.

This webinar also provides a perspective from Steve McNay, Council Manager at Woughton Community Council, who will share insights from a larger council, and a NALC officer, who will present national survey findings and legal context.

What the Session Will Explore

• The legal background to councillor allowances

• How Independent Remuneration Panels operate and how reviews are commissioned

• The Stroud District review and what the evidence revealed

• Key issues councils should consider when reviewing or introducing allowances

• Wider perspectives on members’ remuneration across local government

As councils continue to consider recruitment, diversity and participation in local democracy, allowances are increasingly part of the wider conversation about removing barriers to public service.

This free session is open to clerks and councillors.