1. Members Allowances
Current Scheme for 2026 – 2027
Members are entitled to receive certain allowances and expenses in recognition of their various duties in accordance with the approved Councillors Allowances and Expenses Scheme.
The report from the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel on the Members Allowances for 2026/27 was presented to Council and approved on the 13 January 2026.
The change in the Members Allowances took effect from 1 April 2026.
Related documents
Report - Members Allowances 2025-26
Appendix A - Members Allowances 2025-26
Member's Allowances Scheme for 2026 - 2027 (with effect 1 April 2026)
Basic allowances
Basic Allowance payable to all members per annum is £7,296.
Special responsibility allowances
In addition to the basic allowance the following special responsibility allowances are payable:
| Responsibility * | Amount |
|---|---|
| Leader | £23,714 |
| Deputy Leader Uplift (Portfolio Holder + Basic x 25%) | £1,344 |
| Leader of an Opposition Group | See ** below |
| Executive Members with Portfolio (up to 9) | £12,769 |
| Executive Members without Portfolio if appointed | £1,824 |
| Chairs of Scrutiny Committees (x2) | £7,296 |
| Deputy Chair of Scrutiny Committees (x2) | £3,648 |
| Chair of Planning Committee | £7,296 |
| Deputy Chair of Planning Committee | £3,648 |
| Chair of Licensing Committee | £5,472 |
| Chair of Audit and Governance Committee | £3,648 |
| Deputy Chair Audit and Governance | £1,824 |
| Member Champions (x2) | £1,824 |
| Chair of Council Housing and Development Advisory Board (HRA funded) | £3,648 |
| Chair of Harbour Board | £1,824 |
| Chair of Scrutiny Programme Board | £1,824 |
* Any Member qualifying for more than one special responsibility allowance is paid the higher allowance only.
** The leader of an opposition group will receive an allowance based on the size of the political group:
-
A Group of two to receive an allowance equivalent to 20% of the basic allowance
-
A Group of between three and five to receive an allowance equivalent to 50% of the basic allowance
-
A Group of six or more, to receive an allowance equivalent to 60% of the basic allowance
Mayoralty allowances
| Role | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lord Mayor | £7,296 |
| Deputy Lord Mayor | £1,824 |