Panel Proposes Major Allowance Increase for Birmingham Councillors
Birmingham city councillors could see their basic allowance rise by nearly 25% to £24,866 per year, reflecting the long hours, social media scrutiny, and responsibility they face, according to an independent remuneration panel. The proposed increase from the current £19,952 would make the 101 councillors the best remunerated in the country, acknowledging the 'unique nature' of serving on Europe's largest local authority.
The panel's report, presented to the council's business management committee on June 30, argues that the current allowances scheme is 'not fit for purpose' and represents 'a barrier to public service' because the level of pay no longer reflects the 'increased time demands' of the role. It also fails to account for the advent of social media, which means members 'are more readily accessible and are expected to respond much more quickly than was the case in the past.'
Leadership and Special Responsibility Allowances
Under the recommendations, council leader Roger Harmer (Lib Dem, Acocks Green) would receive an additional £74,598, bringing his total annual payment to £99,464. Deputy leader Julien Pritchard (Green, Druids Heath and Monyhull) would receive an extra £59,678, for a total allowance of £84,544. Cabinet members would get an additional £37,299 each.
The leader of the main opposition group (Reform UK) would receive an extra £26,109, while the deputy leader of that group would get £13,055. Shadow cabinet members of the main opposition group would receive £5,222 each. Group secretary and chief whip roles for the administration (Lib Dem, Green, Better Brum Independents coalition) would get £7,640 each; for the main opposition group, £2,611 each; and for minority opposition groups with at least ten councillors, £1,044 each.
Committee Chairs and Other Roles
Leaders of minority opposition groups with ten or more members would receive an additional £10,444, and their deputies £5,222. The chair of the Planning Committee would get an extra £22,379, as would the chair of Licensing and Public Protection Committee. Chairs of Overview and Scrutiny Committees would receive £18,650, while chairs of Licensing Sub-Committees would get £7,460. The chair of Audit Committee and chair of Trust and Charities Committee would each receive £7,460, and the chair of Standards Committee (a co-opted role) would get £3,730.
Rationale Behind the Recommendations
The panel, chaired by Dr Declan Hall, an independent consultant and former lecturer at Birmingham University's Institute of Local Government Studies, stated that the current payment level 'undermines the function of the Basic Allowance...to enable most people to become and remain a councillor.' The overwhelming view of the panel was that the allowances scheme was in need of a fundamental review.
Previously, the basic allowance was calculated based on an expectation that backbenchers typically worked 24 hours, or three days, a week. This includes time for meetings, addressing resident concerns, community engagement, external appointments, and communication with council officers. The panel now believes it is more realistic to say that backbench councillors typically work 30 hours, or 3.5 days a week. However, members are expected to perform around 30% of their role 'voluntarily' and are not remunerated for all hours worked. The panel stated, 'The Basic Allowance is designed to support what is a substantial role without creating professional full time backbench members.'
Next Steps
A final decision on the allowances is expected to be taken at the next full council meeting in July 2025. Councillors will resume discussions on whether to accept the recommendations in full.
