COUNCILLORS who complained about salary increases awarded by an independent body were branded “elitist” at a meeting.

At the annual meeting of Powys County Council (PCC) on Thursday,  May 16, councillors discussed the recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) on councillors’ salaries.

The IRPW say that councillors throughout Wales, must receive an increase in the basic salary by just under two per-cent, which is £268, to £13,868.

Cllr Amanda Jenner (Conservative – Trewern) said: “I feel very uncomfortable given the current climate and rising council tax, that we’re voting for a pay rise for the third year in a row.

“It feels inappropriate and out of touch.

“It’s almost two per cent and I’m sure that the private sector are not receiving that.

“I would like us as councillors to lobby for reform or at least have some input.”

Following her comments, monitoring officer, Clive Pinney stressed: “You are not voting to give yourself a pay rise.

“All you are doing is noting a pay rise awarded to you and members across the whole of Wales by an independent body.

“It’s for individual members to accept the pay rise.”

Cllr Kath Robert-Jones (Independent – Kerry) said: “I find this discussion extremely difficult.

“We’ve heard this is not our decision and we can take it or leave it.

“If we don’t allow people to have some sort of allowances you are in danger of only getting the elite around the table and they will only be the wealthy.

“We don’t want to go there again.

“I am happy to say that I’m part of the pension scheme, but I do not have any independent finance at all, if I didn't get paid for what I do.

“I work really hard, just as most councillors do, as I really care about our public.”

After Cllr Roberts-Jones spoke she received a round of applause.

The only decision councillors could make was to decide how many and which positions were to receive a senior salary.

They voted in favour of the recommended 18 councillors.

Following the meeting Cllr Jenner told the Local Democracy Services that she “could not understand” how her comments could be described as elitist.

She believed that councils could only realise the aspirations of the IRPW if there were “fewer councillors” who “work full time for full time salary.”

Councillors unhappy with the salary increase can write to the head of finance, Jane Thomas, to say they refuse it.

The (IRPW) explain that comments are made because: “The membership of councils should reflect the diversity in the population it represents.

And to have a : “Fair representation of women or younger people or those who have caring responsibilities or personal needs.

“Also, a significant number of members are elected unopposed.

“Payments are made to encourage those who would otherwise be deterred by the costs involved in being a councillor to seek election.”

Under the determination of the IRPW: The council leaders salary will increase to £49,100, deputy leader to £34,600, cabinet members to £30,100; while chairs of scrutiny committees and leader of the opposition receiving a senior salary would receive £22,568 (all including basic salary).