Councillors' Allowance Survey results released

We’re pleased to share the results of this year’s Councillors’ Allowances Survey and with a 93% response rate (65 out of 70 councils), it’s our most comprehensive dataset yet. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. This data is especially valuable for anyone involved in establishing a new local authority through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) or devolution. It provides a robust evidence base to inform the design of new allowances schemes and ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency from day one.

We’ve produced an infographic summarising key findings and trends (attached to this newsletter) and contributors will also receive the full benchmarking dataset to support upcoming reviews. The survey goes beyond headline figures. It also explores:

• Indexation practices and how they’re applied
• Formulas used by Independent Remuneration Panels (IRPs) to set allowance levels
• Socially responsive policies, including ICT provision and parental leave