Local authority employees have been offered what the Local Government Association describes as a ‘full and final’ pay increase of at least £1,925 from 1 April 2023.

The offer equates to an increase of 9.42% this year for the lowest paid, i.e. those currently earning £20,441 per annum. For those on all pay points above the top of the pay spine, an offer of 3.88% has been made.

The National Employers, who negotiate pay on behalf of councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, estimate the pay offer will increase the national paybill by £1.093bn (6.42%).

Cllr Sian Goding, chair of the National Employers for local government services, said: ‘The National Employers are acutely aware of the additional pressure this year’s offer will place on already hard-pressed council finances, as it would need to be paid for from existing budgets. However, they believe their offer is fair to employees, given the wider economic backdrop.’

Responding to the offer, Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said: ‘GMB has received the formal NJC pay offer, which covers more than 100,000 members working as school staff, social workers, refuse collectors, traffic wardens and other local government workers.

‘The offer amounts to a 9.42% pay increase for the lowest paid. It also includes a commitment that GMB had called for to review and refresh all school support staff roles which haven't been updated for 10 years.

‘We will now discuss the offer further with the Local Government Association.’

UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: 'Investing in the workforce is key for the future of public services. Council and school support staff certainly deserve to be rewarded for their hard work.

'But this offer falls short of the joint pay claim. UNISON’s committee will now consider it and decide on next steps.'