Greens call for better support for Councillors

4th March 2009

The Green Party has rejected a recommendation for allowances to rise above the rate of inflation but has called for more practical support for back bench Councillors. The Greens say that a report by the Independent Panel on Members' Allowances did not consider 'support in kind' for councillors, such as introducing an integrated casework system, better IT equipment and access to secretarial support, all of which would help councillors work more efficiently.

"The report should have looked at our overall terms and conditions, not just our allowances," said the leader of the Green group, Coun Jillian Creasy.

"We are also disappointed that the Independent Panel did not address the
question of how under-represented groups such as women, people with
disabilities, those from ethnic minorities, young adults and those on low
incomes could be enabled to become councillors."

ENDS