Proposed 22% salary hike sparks debate among council members and residents
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The Highland Council is poised to vote on a proposed pay increase of nearly 22% for its senior councillors, a move that has ignited a heated debate among council members and the public. If approved, this pay rise could see salaries increase by between £5,000 and £11,000, depending on the specific council position held.
The total cost of this increase is estimated to be around £490,000, which the council claims has already been accounted for in its budget.
Details of the proposed pay increase
The proposed salary adjustments would significantly benefit the council leader and convener, who could see their annual pay rise by £10,981 and £8,234, respectively.
Other senior positions, including the opposition leader and the leader of the Inverness committee, would experience increases ranging from £5,095 to £7,108. This proposed rise aligns with the 21.7% increase previously agreed upon for regular councillors by the Scottish Government.
Public and political response
Opposition councillors have voiced their concerns, urging the council to reconsider the timing of this decision. Labour councillor Michael Gregson expressed his discontent, stating, “With the 7% council tax rise, rents up by 8%, and the pre-existing higher prices people pay in the Highlands, this pay award is just wrong.” He emphasized that many residents are dissatisfied with the council’s performance and that senior councillors should not accept a pay rise under the current economic conditions.
Background on councillor remuneration
The Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee (SLARC) conducted an assessment of councillor pay in 2023, leading to the Scottish Government’s endorsement of their recommendations. The proposed pay increases are set to take effect on April 1, 2025, and have already been factored into this year’s budget, which was approved on March 6.
According to a recent SLARC survey, the majority of councillors reported that formal council duties consume approximately 26 hours per week, with an additional 16 hours attributed to informal responsibilities. Notably, 51% of councillors indicated that their council work is supplementary to other full or part-time jobs. SLARC’s recommendations highlight that previous pay levels may deter under-represented groups from pursuing councillor positions.
As the council prepares for the vote on Thursday, the outcome remains uncertain. The decision will ultimately reflect the council’s commitment to addressing the concerns of both its members and the constituents they serve.
