9th December 2007

Dear Editor.

The Star reported that the Green amendment about Councillors’ allowances was rejected at the Full Council meeting (“Town Hall expenses up” 6th December). In fact it was passed.

The Greens supported the Labour proposal that allowances should rise by just 3%, in line other Council staff. But our amendment ensures that, in future, the independent panel which advises on Councillors’ pay, will look at how women, people with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities, younger people and those on low incomes could be encouraged to stand as Councillors. We think Councillors should be more representative of the wider population. This is not just a matter of pay but of terms and conditions. The panel will also look into ways of supporting Councillors with their casework, so they can do the job of helping their constituents more effectively.

We want a public debate about what councillors do, how much time they spend on the job and what they get paid. We would welcome some informative articles in the Star and to hear what your readers think.

Yours
Cllr Jillian Creasy
Sheffield Green Party