COLCHESTER councillors have voted to increase their annual basic allowances by 3.88 per cent. 

The decision means the basic allowance level for each councillor will now sit at £7,576 per annum.

The overall allowance budget, meanwhile, which also takes into consideration special responsibility allowances, will rise to a total £571,200 compared to last year's £554,600.

Out of the city's 51 councillors, 16 voted for the motion, while 12 voted against it.

Eight councillors were absent for the vote while 14 abstained, not including mayor John Jowers. 

Gazette:

Those who voted for the increase includes councillors Cory, Cox, Harris, Hogg, King, Kirkby-Taylor, Law, McLean, Nissen, Rippingale, Scordis, Smalls, Smith, Warnes, J. Young, T. Young.

Those who voted against it were councillors Arnold, Davidson, Hagon, Laws, Lissimore, Luxford Vaughan, Maclean, Naylor, Rowe, Smithson, Spindler, Willetts.

Councillors Barton, Bentley, Burrows, Buston, Dundas, Ellis, Goacher, Goss, Jay, Moffat, Mannion, Powling, Sommers, Sunnucks, and the Mayor (Jowers) abstained.

Meanwhile councillors Appleton, Barber, Bloomfield, Lilley, McCarthy, Pearson, Tate, and the Deputy Mayor (Scott-Boutell) were not present.

Colchester Council bosses have said the "proposed increase" aligns with the council’s budget for 2023-24, so they believe it not result in any additional financial strain. 

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Following careful consideration, councillors voted to increase the Members’ Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances by 3.88 per cent, effective from the Annual General Meeting.

“This decision aligns with the national increase in staff allowances set by the National Joint Council.”

“We understand public funds must be used responsibly, and this increase was not taken lightly.

“However, it’s crucial the allowance councillors receive to help them fulfil their duties retains its value.

"This allows them to effectively represent their communities. The Independent Remuneration Panel supported the proposals.”

“The current Members’ Allowances Scheme did not address situations where officers receive a fixed sum increase rather than a percentage raise.

"To address this, the scheme now clearly outlines how allowances will be adjusted in such circumstances. This ensures transparency and consistency moving forward."