HC Deb 09 March 2004 vol 418 cc1444-5W
Mr. Laurence Robertson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will amend the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 to allow co-opted councillors to claim allowances; and if he will make a statement. [157315]

Mr. Raynsford

Co-opted members of principal councils are already entitled to receive a co-optees allowance and a travel and subsistence allowance.

Co-opted members of parishes are not currently entitled to receive allowances. However, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to amend the regulations governing councillors' allowances shortly so that all parish councillors are eligible to receive an allowance for travel and subsistence.

At present, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not plan to allow un-elected parish councillors to receive a basic allowance and will reassess this position, as part of the wider review of councillors' allowances, later this year.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received on the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) Regulations (England) 2003; what plans he has to alter the regulations in respect of non-elected councillors; and if he will make a statement. [158822]

Mr. Raynsford

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received a number of letters from MPs in recent weeks on behalf of their parish councils in respect of non-elected parish councillors.

Co-opted members of parishes are not currently entitled to receive allowances. However, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to amend the regulations governing councillors' allowances shortly so that all parish councillors are eligible to receive an allowance for travel and subsistence.

At present, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not plan to allow un-elected parish councillors to receive a basic allowance and will reassess this position, as part of the wider review of councillors' allowances, later this year.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to change the regulations whereby co-opted parish councillors are not entitled to the same pay and allowances as elected parish councillors. [158110]

Mr. Raynsford

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to amend the regulations governing councillors' allowances shortly so that all parish councillors are eligible to receive an allowance for travel and subsistence.

At present, however, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not plan to allow un-elected parish councillors to receive a basic allowance. We will reassess this position, as part of the wider review of councillors' allowances, later this year.