Councillors agree to form body within City Hall taking power over pay 'out of their hands'
Councillors at Belfast City Hall have denied themselves a pay rise for the fourth year in a row, and have agreed to give power over their wage to an “outside” body.
Belfast Council has not agreed an increase in elected representatives’ basic allowance and special responsibility allowances since March 2021. Councillors have agreed to increases in dependents’ carers’ allowance every year. Basic allowance is the amount, determined by law, which all councillors are entitled to, while special responsibility allowance is the amount paid to councillors who have special responsibilities, for example, the chairmanship of a committee. Chairperson or Mayor allowance is the amount paid to councillors who have been elected as Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor.
At the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting this week, Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said: “For many years this has been refused. I believe I speak for the majority of parties, if not all parties, in saying we fundamentally don’t believe that we as councillors should be in a position to decide any of our pay increases or expenses. That should not come to our committee rooms, it should not have the involvement of any councillor whatsoever.
He proposed writing to the relevant Stormont minister stating that Belfast Council’s desire was for a full independent body to look at the matter. He said: “The decision should be taken out of councillor’s hands, where it should never have been in the first place.”
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First Night Boston 2025 Returns to City Hall PlazaNew England's largest New Year's Eve party is back at City Hall Plaza to ring in 2025. Watch live coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. on NBC10 Boston, NECN, and Telemundo Boston's digital platforms. The final hour, including the midnight fireworks show, will be live on all of NBC10 Boston's streaming platforms. Outdoor performances begin at 2 p.m. and continue past midnight. The 6 p.m. parade from City Hall Plaza will lead into the 7 p.m. fireworks above Boston Common, and the midnight fireworks above Boston Harbor will set the city aglow.
Read more »
Hull City Legend Stuart Elliott Inducted into Hall of FameFormer Northern Ireland footballer Stuart Elliott receives the ultimate honour from his beloved club, Hull City.
Read more »
Preston 2025: Guild Hall Repairs, City Centre Reopening, and MorePreston is set for a transformative year in 2025, with major developments like the Guild Hall restoration and a potential new arena. The city centre's reopening plan also promises a revitalized heart for the community. Fundraising efforts for Rosemere Cancer Foundation continue to inspire, with Conlon Construction leading the charge.
Read more »
Suspended Lawrence police chief returns to city hallWilliam Castro, who was paid a $210,000 salary to sit at home after the POST Commission suspended his law enforcement credentials, is working again as chief of…
Read more »
City Hall approves big events for Belfast parks in 2025Events include the Mela, St Patrick's Day, a 'Wellfest' and Circus Vegas
Read more »
City Hall 'does not have the power' to give Sandy Row a rates cutBoyne Bridge issues still part of a 'wider conversation'
Read more »