Conservatives propose cuts in councillors allowances to help balance books

Date published: 21/02/2006

Leader of the Conservative group on the Council, Councillor Ian Duckworth, is moving an amendment to the Council's budget proposals at the forthcoming Budget Council due to take place on Wednesday 22 February.

Amongst the Conservative proposals are the reinsatement of the financing of Rochdale's twin town links committee to be funded by a 10% reduction in councillors allowances, which would add an extra £70,000 to the Councils coffers and help reduce voters' council tax burden.

Councillor Duckworth said: "This is not just gesture politics, it's important financially and also for the need for elected members to demonstrate that council tax rises affect them the same as everyone else." 

The proposals would save an estimated £293,000 from the council tax bill.