Each councillor on a particular authority is entitled to receive the same amount - called a Basic Allowance.

Some councillors take on other duties within the local authority for which a Special Responsibility Allowance is awarded. This is to recognise responsibilities significantly in excess of the standard role of councillors.

In addition, the council may award travelling and subsistence and dependent carer costs to councillors.

In all cases, a council will determine the allowances payable to its councillors following consideration of recommendations from an independent panel, comprising local people who have no connection with either the council or its elected councillors.

See below for details of West Dorset's independent panel.

Independent Panel

The people appointed to serve on the West Dorset Independent Remuneration Panel are:

Graham Russell, Independent Local Government Adviser (Chair)

Brian Makepeace, former Editor of Dorset Evening Echo

John Pearson, retired Naval Commander and former president of Dorchester Chamber of Trade and Commerce

Daniel Cadisch, Strategic Manager, Citizens' Advice Bureaux for Dorchester and District and Sherborne and District

David Wells, former local government manager (health and housing) and chair of large housing company

Brian Makepeace and John Pearson are long established members of the panel. The others were newly appointed in 2010 following public advertisement.

The key role of the panel this year is to review all aspects of councillors' allowances in West Dorset District Council and determine if any changes are required to be recommended to the Council for implementation in May 2011. The review begins in October 2010.

In making their recommendations, the panel will look at how the council works, the roles of elected councillors in West Dorset, comparative data from elsewhere in the south-west region and evidence from councillors and officers.

The panel's report will be published on this website as soon as the review is completed, along with the response of the council.

View of copy of the present allowances awarded to councillors. (pdf, 91kb) (opens in a new window)

Details of the amounts actually paid to councillors are published each year.  View a copy of the payments made for the year 2010/11. (pdf, 39kb) (opens in a new window)

Further information

If you wish to have more information about members' allowances, then please contact Susan Carne (Head of Democratic Services) on 01305 252216 or by e-mail to democratic@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

You may also contact the Chair of the Panel on grahamrussell31@blueyonder.co.uk or tel. 07816144396