ALLOWANCES paid to Isle of Wight Councillors and co-opted members should be frozen for another year according to an independent panel.
The Independent Remuneration Panel recommendation means councillors would continue to receive a basic annual allowance of £7,903 in the 2013/13 financial year, with special responsibility allowances for those who undertake certain roles.
These include £23,709 for the council leader, £11,854 for cabinet members and £5,532 for the council chairman. The chairman of the planning committee would receive 7,903, the licensing committee £6,322 and the regulatory committee £10,274.
Councillors would continue to receive mileage and subsistence expenses, up to £6.08 per hour to cover childcare costs and £10.90 per hour to cover care costs for elderly or disabled dependants.
The panel's report is due to be considered by the full council next Wednesday.
It recommends: "Given the continued economic situation, and that there is still a public sector pay freeze in place, there should be no general uplift in allowances."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk