Big council pay rises are a slap in the face for struggling folk

At a time when most county borough councils are cutting back on public services, and proposing to increase the domestic rates we pay, it seems ludicrous that councillors are in for a hefty pay rise.

- Judith Phillips

However, that is the case, with Flintshire councillors having been told that an independent body is suggesting they get a 6.4% rise in the next financial year.

To the councillors’ credit, some of them have criticised the idea that they should get an above inflation boost ata time when others working in the public sector at grassroots level can only dream of such a generous pay rise.

At Flintshire, the move would see basic pay for councillors increase from £19,771 to £21,044 with cabinet members and committee chairs getting more, and the leader of the council seeing their pay increase from £66,727 to £71,025.