THE LEADER of Powys County Council could receive a 65 per cent pay increase next year, just months after cabinet members awarded themselves a 40 per cent wage hike.
The proposals have been put forward by an independent government-appointed panel, which wants to rebrand councillor’s allowances as ‘salaries’.
Powys County Council has stressed that it has not requested the increase and admits this ‘could send the wrong message’.
If approved the leader will receive £47,500, an increase of more than £16,000 from the last financial year.
The leader, along with fellow members of the cabinet, voted for a 40 per cent increase in their allowances at the end of April, due to increased responsibilities.
The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales has recommended wage increases for county councillors across Wales, and would see the Panel dictate allowances in the future, rather than setting a maximum level.
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “If approved, the proposals would see payment levels set by the independent panel for the first time ever and implemented following next year’s May local government elections.
"The move is designed to reduce costs across Wales.”
At present, Powys does not pay the maximum rate of members’ allowances, therefore would see payments to executive members increase.
If the proposals are adopted, Powys will be forced to increase both the basic allowance and rates for members with special responsibilities, said cabinet member Councillor Kath Roberts-Jones.
“The timing is unfortunate and forcing some councils to increase payments during the current climate sends out the wrong message,” she said.
Saying that it sends out the wrong message is pointless, commented County Councillor David Jones.
“I cannot believe that Powys County Council will not have any say in the matter,” he said.
“I was quite incensed when I read this. If this is sending out the wrong message now, it has been sending the wrong message ever since the cabinet voted for the 40 per cent pay increase.”
If approved the new rates will be introduced from April 2012, but will only apply to councillors after the May 2012 local government elections.