Politics & Council · Swindon
Swindon councillors reject 13.3 per cent pay rise amid financial pressures
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Borough Council has voted against a recommended 13.3 per cent increase in councillor allowances, citing the authority's need for fiscal prudence.
Swindon councillors have formally rejected a recommended 13.3 per cent increase in their basic allowance, with senior leaders describing the decision as a necessary measure for the financial health of the local authority. The move followed a review by an Independent Renumeration Panel, which had suggested the increase as part of a wider adjustment for the 2026/27 period.
During a meeting held on October 22, the council's cabinet pushed for a freeze on allowances, citing the council's ongoing financial recovery efforts. The authority is currently managing 22 million pounds in exceptional financial support, a figure described by Deputy Leader Councillor Jake Chandler as a fundamental reason for the decision.
Councillor Chandler addressed the chamber, stating that the proposed increase constituted discretionary spending that could not be justified while the council is engaged in a wider recovery programme. He emphasised that the freeze was the most moral and financially prudent course of action for the year ahead.
The debate highlighted broader disagreements regarding the council's financial trajectory. While the Conservatives and Reform UK supported the move to maintain current allowance levels, the Labour group abstained from the vote. Labour councillors raised questions regarding the consistency of the council's fiscal policies, contrasting the current stance on allowances with previous budget decisions.
Council Leader Gary Sumner clarified that the decision is limited to the current financial year. He confirmed that the Independent Renumeration Panel has been asked to return with new recommendations for the following year, at which point the council will review the matter again. Councillor Sumner maintained that the primary focus of the administration remains their service to the people of Swindon rather than personal allowances.
The Independent Renumeration Panel had also proposed changes to Special Responsibility Allowances for committee chairs and adjustments to councillor travel rates to align them with those of council officers. These recommendations, alongside the basic allowance increase, were ultimately set aside in favour of the pay freeze.
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