HC Deb 02 July 1991 vol 194 c127W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has relating to the average number of hours per week devoted to public duties by members of Scottish local authorities; what plans he has to seek evidence of this; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Research commissioned by the Widdicombe committee of inquiry into the conduct of local authority business was based on average hours per month rather than per week. This indicated that in 1976 and in 1985 regional and islands councillors spent on average 129 hours per month on council duties. The equivalent figures for district councillors were 92 hours per month in 1976 and 93 hours per month in 1985.

My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to update that research.

Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has plans to review the allowances or expenses paid to local authority councillors in Scotland for(a) remuneration, (b) recompense for lost salaries or wages, (c) subsistence allowance and (d) travelling expenses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Allan Stewart

A new system of remuneration for councillors came into effect on 1 April 1991. Under the new arrangements, financial loss allowance is no longer available for councillors. The system will be reviewed after it has been in operation for about a year. In the interim my right hon. Friend intends to make regulations for Scotland which will counter abuse of the special responsibility allowance element of the new scheme which has been drawn to his attention.

The arrangements for travel and subsistence allowances are unchanged. Rates of all allowances will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis.