The total budget for Councillors’ allowances change every year. For interest here are some comparisons to previous years, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Ed
Total spend by the Isle of Wight Council on member allowances increased by £3,000 this year.
There was a total spend of £461,128 during 2017-18 however, this also includes members from the previous administration. Councillors were elected to their position last May, one month into the financial year.
Total allowances £3k more
Once former councillors are subtracted, current councillors claimed £443,029 this year — compared to the previous year when they claimed £440,167.
All members are given a basic allowance of £7,700. Due to the council changeover however, members elected in May were given a basic allowance of £6,892. Certain members, such as cabinet members (the number of which has increased under the Island Conservatives), are given an additional special responsibilities allowance.
They are also allowed to claim for travel off Island, and childcare expenses — although no councillors claimed for childcare this year.
Largest share
The biggest allowance was given to council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, who was given £15,400 on top of the basic allowance, as well as £2,274 in travel expenses — totalling £25,374.
Deputy leader, Cllr Stuart Hutchinson, was paid £18,400, which includes a £9,625 special responsibilities allowance, as well as £1,076 for travel.
Cllrs Ian Ward and Wayne Whittle were both paid more than £16,000.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which OnTheWight is taking part in. Some additions by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: simonhaytack under CC BY 2.0
