Leader rejects 11% pay rise despite review

Leader of the District of Easington, Councillor Alan Napier, rejected an independent panel's recommendation for an 11 per cent increase to his personal Special Responsibility Allowance.

Under new local government rules, councils are required to have an outside annual review of allowances paid to elected members.

Easington's independent panel included a representative from local industry, a university professor, a retired clergyman and a former senior local government officer from another authority.

The panel judged that Coun Napier's remuneration was too low when compared with the leaders of other coun- cils.

They recommended that his allowance be increased by eleven per cent to £10,000.

The panel also recommended that all other members of the council receive a one per cent inflationary increase.

But Coun Napier refused the increase in payments, saying: "I thank the independent panel for giving their valuable time and expertise freely to this exercise.''

But while refusing to accept such a large increase for himself, he expressed some concern over the results of the panel's deliberations.

"I feel that the panel's findings are disappointing and do not sufficiently recognise the additional duties and responsibilities which councillors have undertaken under new legislation, he said.

"But I feel that I must have regard to the council's overall financial position and our wish to limit council tax increases in the future.

"As we speak, national pay negotiations are under way which are seeking to limit our employees to a three per cent increase.

"Under all of the circumstances, I cannot accept the recommended increase, and will only accept a one per cent inflationary increase in line with all of my colleagues," he said.

Copies of the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel detailing their recommendations are available for inspection at the council offices in Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery.