PARISH councillors at Stockton Heath and Appleton do not claim expenses or allowances – even though they have been entitled to do so for eight years.
This has emerged following confusion caused by a request from the borough council that parish councils freeze members’ allowances because of the current economic climate.
Puzzled councillors at Stockton Heath agreed to the request – but queried how they could freeze an allowance they didn’t receive anyway!
Clerk Peter Briggs – who is also clerk to Appleton Parish Council – explained that historically, allowances and expenses had not been claimed by members of either council, even though they were entitled to.
Rules relating to parish council expenses and allowances were amended in 2003, and allow parishes to pay a basic allowance each year either to its chairman only or to each of its members. In the event of all members receiving an allowance, the chairman can receive a larger allowance.
Expenses, travelling and subsistence allowances can also be paid under the rules.
All payments are overseen by an independent parish remuneration panel.
A pay freeze for the unpaid!
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