Well done Coventry Tory Councillors - almost

Ken Taylor, the leader of the Conservative Group which controls Coventry Council, was quoted in the press yesterday as saying that he is urging his colleagues not to accept the pay increase recommended by an independent panel.

The award would give "backbench"councillors an increase of 10% annually to £13,320. For cabinet members the increase would be 17% to £25, 405, and for members of scrutiny boards 13% to £20,571. The largest proposed increase was for the Labour opposition leader, an increase of 38% to ££21,780. (Councillor Taylor's own proposed increase, which he wishes to reject, would take his income up 10% to £37,490.)

Mr Taylor feels that he and his colleagues should have an increase no larger than that to be received by all council workers - about 2.5%, especially in view of the fact that the Council will struggle with its budget next year. He didn't mention, but I am sure that he has not forgotten, the many who will have to pay council taxes risingmore than their pensions for about the fifth year running. Increases of the order above seem very steep.

The independent panel doubtless felt that councillors' earnings had not kept pace with other earnings, but to make them up in one year.......

It is to be hoped that Mr. Taylor manages to persuade his colleagues to reject the recommendations, and to accept an increase more in line with rate-payers, like the 2.5% which council workers will receive.