How much do councillors get 'paid' in Rutland and South Kesteven?

Figures reveal a significant disparity in the amount of money councillors in Rutland and South Kesteven receive for carrying out their duties.

Councillors elected to local authorities are not paid, but they are entitled to claim a basic allowance, while some those with additional responsibilities - including council leaders and their deputies - are given a special allowance on top of this.

While the 27 Rutland county councillors have been entitled to a basic allowance of £3,770 each, the 56 members of South Kesteven District Council could claim £5,517.

An even bigger difference exists between the deputy leader allowances for Rutland County Council and South Kesteven District Council.

In Rutland the deputy was entitled to an additional £1,580, while in neighbouring South Kesteven it was nearly 10 times this figure, at £15,168.

Meanwhile, the leader of Rutland County Council allowance has been £11,420 while the leader of South Kesteven District Council could claim £19,305.

In the financial year 2018-19, South Kesteven District Council paid more than £300,000 in basic allowances, and with special allowances, travel, accommodation and subsistence added to this, the total amount given to district councillors was £515,724.

Rutland’s bill for basic allowances in 2018-19 was £94,000, with the total amount just £177,018.

South Holland district councillors, who represent the Spalding area, have frozen their allowances until 2023 after being told they were the highest in Lincolnshire. The basic allowance for a South Holland councillor is £6,255 a year, £738 higher than in South Kesteven.

Allowances for Rutland county councillors had been frozen since 2009, but in March an increase was agreed by the full council, on the recommendation of an independent panel.

Although councillors’ travel expense claims are expected to fall, a spokesman for the council said there would not be a reduction in the allowances because of the coronavirus lockdown, adding: “Rutland County Council’s elected members continue to work for the council and the residents of Rutland during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They have played an integral role in community engagement to bring about a coordinated response for Rutland.

“Much of their role has now become virtual, providing community leadership, leadership to the organisation and representing the views of residents in their wards and escalating concerns. As such, they all continue to claim the allocated allowance.”

“Official member commitments currently include attending a weekly virtual Covid-19 briefing meeting with senior council officers. Rutland County Council also held its first ever virtual full council meeting in May and cabinet has been meeting virtually since April 17.”

“Councillors have also been active in the implementation of the council’s shielding measures.”

South Kesteven District Council has been contacted to comment on the figures.