Fury over Walsall councillors' pay rise plan

Senior councillors at a Black Country authority which must save £65 million will give themselves pay rises under controversial new plans revealed today.

Cabinet members at Walsall Council will see their extra-responsibility payments rise by £2,300, £1,500 or £1,000 every year for the next four years if the plans are approved — all on top of their basic allowance of more than £10,378.

But the idea was today slammed as "utterly disgraceful" as the council battles to save £65 million over the next three years and faces job losses and service cuts across the board.

If approved by councillors, leader Mike Bird will see his Special Responsibility Allowance rise from £20,756 to £22,256 from April 1 next year.

Deputy leader Adrian Andrew's extra responsibility payment will increase from £8,302 to £10,602 and other cabinet members from £8,302 to £9,302.

The plans have been recommended for approval by the Independent Renumeration Panel in order to bring Walsall Council more in line with other West Midlands authorities.

But Councillor Pete Smith, who represents Blakenall, said today: "It will be utterly disgraceful if these proposals are accepted.

"It means that those who are wielding the axe against council pay, jobs, services and service charges, namely the council's cabinet, will be doing very nicely thank you over the next few years. They get big pay rises whilst their employees get nothing and in many cases lose their jobs.

"I hope there is a huge public outcry over these proposals and sincerely hope that all councillors see the hypocrisy of paying these big rises at a time when everyone else is facing such uncertainty."

The local authority's 60 councillors would not see their basic allowances increased. Only councillors with added responsibilities would benefit financially.

Council leader Mike Bird today said the senior councillors worked around the clock and deserved to have their allowances brought more in line with their counterparts across the region.

"We are at the helm of a £750 million business that is facing massive obstacles," Councillor Bird said.

"We are spending more hours here than ever before, working around the clock away from our families.

"This is a 365-days-a-year, 24/7 job and I think we are worth it.

"These proposals were made by an independent panel and will not put us above or below any other council in the West Midlands, simply in line.

"If other councillors have such a problem with this, then they could always refuse their own allowances."

The recommendations will go before Full Council on November 8.