My remuneration & benefits
I receive the basic councillor’s allowance of £10,089 for 2009/10 (2008/09 £10,089) (2007/08 £9,819) (2006/07 £8706.22)
I also receive a special responsibility allowance as chair of the Beddington & Wallington Local Committee of £10,281 for 2009/10 (2008/09 £10,281) (2007/08 £10,005) (2006/07 £8,397.42).
The basic allowance is intended to cover all expenses including travel, however the Council does supply stationery and a free parking pass at Civic Offices. There are office facilities available for member’s use at Civic such as a photocopier, computers, telephones etc.
The special responsibility allowance is to reflect the additional meetings I am required to attend as a result of my role as chair. Interestingly vice chairs are also expected to attend many of these additional meetings but do not receive remuneration for it.
I will be refusing the offer of IT equipment because I already have all the equipment they are offering to supply. I fail to see the benefit of duplicating my equipment and I have no room for any more.
I have received one gift as a thank you for helping to complete a disability allowance form which was a large tin of toffees. I have not entered this on the register as it was below the £25 threshold.
In March 2009 I received a bottle of wine as a thank you for judging the Jack Spetchey Speakout Challenge Sutton Regional Finals.
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As a Liberal Democrat I believe that the work of politicians should be open & transparent. By detailing some of the work I am engaged with I can be accountable to the residents of Wallington South who voted me to be their representative on Sutton Council.
My blog also gives me the opportunity to express opinions on local issues; however the opinions expressed on this blog are personal and do not necessarily reflect the policy of the Liberal Democrats.
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Its not enough!!!
Whilst it is nice of you to say so I will not be asking for an increase. However without some form of remuneration I would not have been able to take on the role of councillor. I have three young children to look after and it was a choice between getting a part time job or seeking election. I would not be able to do both. I have been surprised at how well the role fits around my children – I am there to take them to school and collect them afterwards, help with homework & cook their meals, but I am also available for both daytime & evening meetings. Email and home computers mean that much of the work I do can be from home.I think that it is important for this information to get out to other women with children, as women are traditionally under-represented on local councils. Governance frequently falls to the retired, and whilst they may be excellent in their roles, it is important that there is a cross representation of society directing policy.