The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2025
Introduction
The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2025 (the “Regulations”) were made on 19 January 2025 and came into force on 23 January 2025. The Regulations amend the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (“the 2004 Act”) in relation to the remuneration of councillors.
Key Changes
The key changes introduced by the Regulations are as follows:
- Increase in basic allowance: The basic allowance for councillors will be increased by 2.5%, from £18,464.58 to £18,948.30 per year.
- Introduction of a new additional responsibility allowance: A new additional responsibility allowance will be introduced for councillors who chair committees or are otherwise responsible for leading specific areas of the council’s work. The allowance will be set at £5,000 per year.
- Abolition of the special responsibility allowance: The special responsibility allowance, which was previously paid to councillors who were responsible for specific areas of the council’s work, will be abolished.
- Changes to the calculation of travel and subsistence expenses: The method for calculating travel and subsistence expenses will be changed to make it simpler and more transparent.
Purpose of the Changes
The purpose of the changes introduced by the Regulations is to:
- Reward councillors for their hard work and commitment: The increase in the basic allowance and the introduction of the new additional responsibility allowance are intended to reward councillors for their hard work and commitment.
- Simplify the remuneration system: The abolition of the special responsibility allowance and the changes to the calculation of travel and subsistence expenses are intended to simplify the remuneration system and make it easier to understand.
Implications for Local Authorities
The Regulations will have the following implications for local authorities:
- Increased costs: The increase in the basic allowance and the introduction of the new additional responsibility allowance will increase the costs of councillor remuneration for local authorities.
- Administrative changes: The abolition of the special responsibility allowance and the changes to the calculation of travel and subsistence expenses will require local authorities to make administrative changes to their remuneration systems.
Conclusion
The Regulations represent a significant change to the remuneration system for councillors in Scotland. The changes are intended to reward councillors for their hard work and commitment, and to simplify the remuneration system. Local authorities will need to be aware of the increased costs and administrative changes that the Regulations will bring about.
The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2025
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