Councillors were paid almost £690,000 in allowances during the last financial year

Figures published by Rochdale Council show amounts vary from  £6,833.71 to £32,023.25 in allowances paid to current councillors.

The top ten allowance payments were made to:

• Colin Lambert (Lab) - £32,023.25
• Peter Williams (Lab) - £19,104.00
• Linda Robinson (Lab) - £18,132.00
• Donna Martin (Lab) - £17,952.01
• Farooq Ahmed (Lab) - 17,952.00
• Jacqui Beswick (Lab) - £17,952.00
• Martin Burke (Lab) - £17,952.00
• Jean Hornby (Lab) - £17,892.51
• Ashley Dearnley (Con) - £17,212.23
• Richard Farnell (Lab) - £16,166.45

The total figure paid in allowances was £689,353.47 - compared to £666,051 in 2011-12.

All local councils must pay their councillors a basic allowance - the same level for all councillors, which is intended to cover their time commitments and incidental costs. This basic allowance includes an amount to cover all travel they may incur when undertaking duties within the borough, subsistence and a contribution towards land line telephone costs.

The basic allowance paid to all Rochdale Borough Council councillors during 2012-13 was £7,644.

Some councillors receive a special responsibility allowance in addition to the basic allowance, for additional responsibilities.

Special responsibilities include being a member of the Cabinet, being a chairman/chairwoman of a committee, or taking lead responsibility for dealing with particular areas of work.

Allowances are also paid by the Police, Fire and Rescue Authority, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund Advisory Committee to councillors who are nominated to work with these external bodies. These allowances are paid by the respective authorities - not the council. 

 

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