Councillors' allowances and payments

On this page:

Introduction
How are the allowance levels decided?
How are the recommendations of the independent review panel considered?
Who gets the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA)?
Statement of allowances paid to councillors
Reports of the members' remuneration independent review panel
The Constitution
Background Reading

Introduction

Bristol city councillors receive an allowance for time they give to serve the community and to cover their expenses. This page explains the allowances that councillors receive and the procedure followed to agree allowances.

How are the allowance levels decided?

Bristol City Council, in common with all local authorities, has established a Members' Remuneration Independent Review Panel in response to government legislation. This independent panel looks at the duties and responsibilities of the councillors of Bristol City Council and makes recommendations on the level of allowances it believes councillors should receive. The panel's recommendations take into account government guidelines, academic research and the allowances paid in comparable cities:

The basic allowance is £11,416 and is payable to the 70 councillors of Bristol City Council.

Special responsibility allowance (SRA) varies and is paid only to selected councillors.

N.B. Councillors may serve in more than one role that qualifies but are only eligible for one special responsibility allowance.

How are the recommendations of the independent review panel considered?

The independent review panel's recommendations are reported to a full council meeting. Councillors decide whether to accept the levels recommended by the independent panel.

Who gets the Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA)?

A special responsibility allowance (SRA) is paid to the following councillors to reflect their special responsibilities over and above their role as a ward councillor:

Cabinet members including the leader of the council and executive members
Chairs of the scrutiny commissions
Chairs of certain committees
Opposition party leaders and party whips
Lord mayor and deputy lord mayor

Statement of allowances paid to councillors

This page provides a record of the statement allowances paid to councillors since financial year beginning 2001. The council publishes this information under The Local Authorities (Members Allowances)(England) Regulations 2003.

Reports of the members' remuneration independent review panel

The Constitution

The constitution of the council includes a comprehensive guide to members' allowances. Part 6 of the constitution gives the latest 'Guide to members' allowance and expenses'