I remember it so well. In July 2024, at our Handside Residents’ Forum, we looked at the Council finances. A rather interesting topic! I must say that even today, I am quite surprised how many people are unaware of the actual “wage” Councillors earn. First, I have to explain to people that we don’t get paid but we receive a small monthly allowance, which of course varies from District to District. The allowance, which is taxed, helps to cover some of our duties, which are associated with our roles; traveling, petrol, or even booking venues for some meetings as other elements of the budgets have been cut e.g. Community Chest funding in our case. I get paid just over £400. I receive only a basic allowance as I don’t hold any senior positions within the Council and I don’t Chair any of the remunerated Committees.

Although the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel reviews our allowance, I always struggle when this topic is being discussed at our Full Council meeting. The last one took place on 12th March.

We all had a civic debate about this subject and it was important to listen to what my fellow colleagues had to say. Some were lucky enough not to rely on the Councillor allowance and asked whether they could reject the increased allowance. Others were saying that due to their personal or financial circumstances, they actually rely on it. Yes, every little helps as one famous advert says, especially if you are a student Councillor. Given the ongoing cost of living crisis, the immediate increase of NI and other pressures on public finances meant that the actual debate on the increase of the Councillor allowance was at times uncomfortable.

I was struck particularly with a comment from one of my Council colleagues. He said that a small financial incentive might help us to improve the Council’s demographic representation. Not all of us are lucky enough to serve as Councillors without having to go to a full-time job. I do and combining both roles is quite tricky. I’ve heard many negative comments in the past about “political volunteering”. I asked quite a few individuals in the past whether they would contemplate standing in the local elections for Liberal Democrats; many said that they don’t have time and they would rather get another part-time job. I agree; in order to empower all sections of our community, encourage a wide range of individuals to actively participate in the democratic process, it is so important to remove any barriers from people, including the financial ones. This doesn’t mean a “proper payroll arrangement” for Councillors but an honest and fair discussion about this sensitive topic.

In the end, in line with my conscience, I decided to abstain, however we need to do everything we can to ensure that the finances are not a major obstacle if someone might consider standing in any form of the Local Government elections. I still believe that for most of us, it really is an honour and privilege, to champion our areas, inspire others to make a difference, and ultimately improve lives of people across our neighbourhoods.  

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.