§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had in respect of the payment of salaries to local government representatives in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartCouncil membership is based on the principle of voluntary public service and is not regarded as a salaried appointment. All payments to members of local authorities are by way of allowances and travel and subsistence. A new system of councillors' allowances was introduced in April 1991. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' comments on the first year's operation of the new system are currently being considered in the wider context of local government reform and the consultation paper on the review of internal management of local authorities, the responses to which are currently being analysed. A number of local authorities have expressed their views separately and these will also be taken into account in the review of allowances.