ESSEX county councillors are set to receive a 5.4 per cent increase in their basic allowances, despite concerns that some may not have been re-elected had local elections gone ahead this year reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

The independent remuneration panel’s recommendation means the basic allowance will increase from £13,730 per annum to £14,471 per year.

It means the total annual amount in basic allowance for all 75 councillors is set to increase from £1,029,750 to £1,085,325 – an increase of more than £55,000.

Special responsibility allowances, which are allocated in addition to the basic allowances to councillors with specific roles, such as the leader, deputy leader, and cabinet members, are also rising, increasing the cost to the taxpayer by almost £70,000 a year.

The special responsibility allowance granted to the Leader of Essex County Council, a post currently held by Councillor Kevin Bentley, has risen from £61,787 to £65,119.

The deputy leader, currently Councillor Louise McKinlay, will get a special allowance of 52,095, up from £49,429.

In total, £1,363,384 is set to be spent on councillors’ allowances, up from £1,293,580 agreed in May 2024.

The rise is set to be noted at a Full Council meeting on July 15 amid ongoing discussions around devolution and restructuring local government in Essex. There are also ongoing concerns about Essex County Council’s decision to cancel elections that had been scheduled for May 2025.

Reform UK councillor Jaymey McIvor criticised the decision to increase allowances in the wake of a decision to cancel elections, which the administration has said was needed to expedite local government restructuring.

He said: “This is a slap in the face for ordinary hard-working people in Essex – no wonder they feel so disillusioned.

“I’ve consistently voted against pay rises for members even when I was a member of the Conservative Group.

“An increase in allowances might seem like a kind leaving gesture to the many incoming Reform UK Councillors, but let’s be clear, it would be more helpful if that money could be allocated elsewhere so the new Reform UK administration can crack on and deliver for the people of Essex with an Essex DOGE.”

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “Allowances are increased automatically each year in line with a government index, following the Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendation in 2022.

“The role and remit of councillors is wide ranging, as they must be available, accessible and accountable to residents.

“The basic allowance enables councillors to undertake their duties effectively, while certain councillors, such as cabinet members and committee chairs, receive a special allowance due to the extra responsibilities they take on.

“On top of this allowance, councillors have the right to claim reasonable expenses when on council business; however, strict governance procedures are in place with all claims reviewed by the lead governance officer.”