16 November 2023
Following a report by an Independent Remuneration Panel this year, the basic allowance for Trafford Councillors has been increased from £7,061 to £10,076 per year.
The change follows the first review of Trafford allowances in over 20 years, with the panel noting that allowances in Trafford were low comparatively and in real terms. The panel was comprised of academic Declan Hall, chief financial officer of Trafford College Kal Kay and ex-Royal Marine Ralph Rudden, who recommended the 43% increase in the basic allowance.
To form this recommendation, the panel analysed evidence and met with a representative range of councillors. All councillors were also invited to participate in a short questionnaire to express their views. The panel reported that there was “a near unanimous view that the Basic Allowance was in need of revision, particularly to place it on a par with peers across Greater Manchester.” (p126).
The basic allowance for councillors reflects the expectation that they work around 20 hours a week on council business, as well as covering any expenses incurred in this process. The new rate of basic allowance was calculated by the panel based on the average wage for Trafford, discounted to reflect the public service nature of the role.
The motion to increase councillor allowances, along with changes to other council allowances, was put to the council in May and the Green councillors voted for the motion. Despite the uplift, the rate is still the lowest in Greater Manchester.
Dan Jerrome, Leader of the Green Party group at Trafford Council said:
"It is important that allowances help people from a wide range of backgrounds to put themselves forward to become councillors. This needs to include people from all under- represented groups to ensure that they have a voice.
We all stand to benefit if we can better attract a properly diverse set of hard working people to represent Trafford residents.
For many years Trafford has had councillor allowances which are significantly lower than any others in Greater Manchester and similar sized councils around the country. This has meant that many people simply can't afford to be a councillor.
Under these proposals Trafford councillors would still receive the lowest basic allowance in GM but it would help a wider participation."
| Other GMCA annual councillor allowances (latest published data, including Trafford’s recent uplift) | |
| Authority | Allowance |
| Manchester | £18,841 |
| Tameside | £14,712 |
| Wigan | £13,920 |
| Salford | £12,011 |
| Bolton | £11,848 |
| Rochdale | £11,348 |
| Bury | £11,226 |
| Stockport | £10,716 |
| Oldham | £10,514 |
| Trafford | £10,076 |
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