§ Mr. Cowansasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take the opportunity to include a clause in the proposed legislation amending the Local Government Act 1972, to allow the phasing in of the recommendations of the Robinson committee.
§ Mr. ShoreLegislation on councillors' remuneration could be introduced only after full consultation with the local authority associations and other interested bodies. These consultations will begin shortly.
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§ Dr. M. S. Millerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet able to make a statement on councillors' remuneration.
§ Mr. ShoreYes. I intend making an order to increase the daily attendance allowance from £11 to £12.14. The House will recall that councillors, exceptionally did not receive any increase under phases 1 and 2 of the pay policy. The Government propose, therefore, to make a two stage increase in the attendance allowance taking account of phases 1 and 2 and the current 5 per cent. limit. The second stage of the increase, amounting to £1.14, will not be paid in this pay round.
For the longer term, I hope soon to issue a Green Paper on councillors' remuneration, which will consider the recommendations of the Robinson committee report. This will allow the Government to start formal consultations with the local authority associations and other interested bodies on the whole range of issues involved.