| Fraser Macpherson, the Liberal Democrat group leader, put forward an unsuccessful motion at last night’s Policy and Resources Committee that would have seen all city councillors’ salary cut back to last year’s level.
The attempt failed when council officers ruled it was not within the power of the council to make such a move.
But Mr Macpherson, who represents the West End ward, told the Tele he had today sought further advice on the issue and believed it was possible that savings could be made on councillor salaries.
“The principle behind my attempt to freeze salaries for all councillors at last year's levels was simple — that the city council faces significant financial challenges,” he said. “I and my colleague Councillor Helen Dick feel councillors should be taking a lead by freezing the amount spent on councillor salaries at 2008/9 levels and forgoing any rise for the new financial year.”
He added the move would mean more than £16,000 would be saved — funds which could then be put towards council services during a period of unprecedented financial uncertainty.
“Council officials said at committee last night that it was not within the power of the council to alter certain salaries,” he said. “I have since spoken with two senior council officers regarding this ruling.
“It is my understanding that whilst the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee has set salaries in its guidance, the document from SLARC is only that — guidance — and I remain unconvinced it is not within the power of local authorities to set their own salary levels.”
Mr Macpherson added that at a time of very significant economic difficulties this was exactly the sort of time when councils should be cutting back on councillor salary levels.
“I have been given an assurance by officers that contact will be made with the Scottish Government to secure clarity of the legal position on the setting of councillor salaries,” he said.
The issue of councillor salaries caused controversy last month when it emerged additional allowances waived by depute lord provost Ian Borthwick would go straight into the pockets of senior councillors.
Councillor Borthwick declined the extra money in keeping with his policy of only accepting the basic councillor's salary, but instead of going into the public purse the money was divided between other councillors. |
