Councillors Back Allowance Increase Despite Opposition

Isle of Wight councillors have voted to increase their basic allowance by £676, taking it to £10,800 a year, following a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

The decision was approved at a full council meeting on Tuesday (January 21), despite opposition from across the chamber. Nine councillors voted against the rise, while three abstained.

The IRP said the increase would broadly reflect inflation between 2024 and 2026.

Moving the motion, Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Andrew Garratt said the allowance needed to reflect the financial realities of being an elected representative.

“If we are to have diversity in this chamber, then we need to recognise there are financial implications to being a locally elected representative,” he said, adding that councillors uncomfortable with the decision could choose to renounce their allowance.

However, Empowering Islanders leader Cllr Chris Jarman warned the timing was wrong, given the council’s financial pressures.

“The burden of this council’s difficulties will fall on residents and businesses on this Island, not on councillors,” he said.

Independent Socialist Cllr Geoff Brodie, who supported the increase, argued councillors were not overpaid and said the allowance worked out below the living wage for the hours many members put in.

Reform UK group leader Cllr Bill Nigh agreed, saying he had reduced his working week elsewhere to meet council responsibilities.

Opposing the rise, Alliance Independent Cllr Ian Stephens said:

“We’re in desperate times… for us to give it to ourselves at this moment may not be the right time.”

The allowance increase was ultimately passed following the vote.