Laura Sharman 10 January 2022

Call to pay councillors the Real Living Wage

Call to pay councillors the Real Living Wage image

Cosla has called for councillors to be paid the Real Living Wage of £9.90 per hour as a minimum.

It argued there needs to be a 'realistic’ review of remuneration for the role, which has changed dramatically over the last few years.

A survey by Cosla found the average councillor in Scotland works 38.5 hours per week but the average salary is only £18,604 per year.

The research also showed 43% of councillors worked weekly hours in a paid second job, working an average of nearly 25 hours per week.

Cllr Alison Evison, Cosla president, said: 'The current salary for a councillor is £18,604 and that quite frankly does not cut the mustard.

'A survey undertaken by COSLA as part of removing barriers to elected office work clearly shows that councillors from all political parties and none feel that the time has arrived for this new, radical and bold approach to councillors’ remuneration as part of a wider package of action to increase councillor diversity and address financial barriers to elected office for underrepresented groups.

'We are excited about what can be achieved, but we know that to attract a more diverse range of people to the role of the modern councillor simply will not happen without a commitment from Scottish Government to look at councillor remuneration.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Highways Network Technician - WMF2343e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403 - £26,824
This role will be part of the Network Team in the South Lakeland area based in Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Payroll & People Advisor

Essex County Council
£27541.00 - £32401.00 per annum
Payroll & People AdvisorFixed Term, Full Time£27,541 to £32,401 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Chief Operating Officer (Section 151 Officer)

Cornwall Council
£135,406-£171,760
Shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious and distinctive places. Cornwall
Recuriter: Cornwall Council

Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Durham County Council
£171,760
Are you ready to lead one of the UK’s most ambitious and high-performing children’s services? Durham (City/Town)
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Social Worker/AMHP (Mental Health CMHT Older Peoples Teams) x2

Wakefield Council
Grade 10 - Grade 11, Career Grade, 37 hours, Permanent
You will be employed by Wakefield Council, within an NHS setting, working alongside social care and health partners in an integrated environment. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner