HC Deb 31 January 1990 vol 166 cc297-8
4. Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the Government's plans to change the system of allowances for councillors in Scotland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord James Douglas-Hamilton)

A number of representations have been received. The Government have agreed to defer the introduction of the new scheme for up to three months to allow the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities time to produce specific alternative proposals.

Mr. Campbell

Is the Minister aware that the Government's initial proposals have united councillors of all parties, and of none, in Scotland in opposition? Does he accept that no one becomes a councillor in Scotland because he or she wants to profit from the attendance allowance? Is he aware that the sum of £10, which was fixed in 1974, should be not less than £40 at today's prices? In the settlement that the Government will eventually reach, will he undertake to ensure that proper account is taken of the commitment and responsibilities of councillors throughout the length and breath of Scotland?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The answer to the hon. Gentleman's last point is yes, but I must stress that even under the consultative proposals that have been put forward, the sums available to councillors in Scotland would have been at least 80 per cent, more than those for councillors south of the border and up to 125 per cent, more for district councillors. Strong representations were made about distribution and we have recognised that some authorities have a much larger workload and larger electorates than others. We were conscious of those facts and responded to COSLA's recommendations to defer those matters. We look to COSLA to come back to us with what we hope will be a much fairer and more consistent approach. I should stress that the sums available to councillors next year will be no less than those available this year—the sum for Britain as a whole being increased from £37 million to £42 million.

Mr. Michael J. Martin

Will the Minister bear in mind that the vast majority of councillors do the job voluntarily? Often their home is inundated with people with serious problems and the family cannot enjoy a decent meal at night because of the phone calls that have to be attended to immediately. This being the case, should not there be decent compensation for councillors who do a hard-working job?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I stress that I have been a councillor, so I am acutely conscious of the point that the hon. Gentleman has made. Council membership is based on the principle of voluntary public service and is not regarded as a salaried appointment. However, it is in the public interest that councillors should not suffer financial loss because of the public service that they perform.

Mr. John Marshall

Does my hon. Friend accept that many people believe that local government, in Scotland and elsewhere, was better when councillors such as myself were unpaid volunteers, rather than, as under the present system, some at least being semi-salaried?

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

I am aware of the activities of my hon. Friend, but I stress that chairmen and convenors sometimes have to give almost full-time service and the special responsibility allowance is appropriate in their cases, and will be forthcoming.