I spent 12 years as a borough councillor and my husband 20 years.
During that time we were both committee chairs and in opposition. At no point do I remember considering the cost in financial terms though there was a cost in work life balance.
But we chose to stand for office and understood the consequences. At the time we were both in full-time employment as were most of our colleagues in all parties, including our doctor.
If we are “all in it together”, as public servants, I would have thought one per cent per annum was more than adequate.
Perhaps the council should set up a crèche or after school scheme for younger councillors with children.
This website is published by The Guildford Dragon NEWS
Contact: Martin Giles mgilesdragon@gmail.com
Log in- Posts - Add New - Powered by WordPress - Designed by Gabfire Themes
Bernard Parke
August 11, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Sue Fox is quite right in saying the cost, in financial terms, was never a consideration when serving Guildford as a borough councillor.
True we received expenses of £6 per meeting which was paid to cover postage, telephone calls etc.
However, this was only paid to councillors if they actually attended meetings and signed a register accordingly.
May I also say that this also in many instances this was taxable.