Shropshire cuts councillor allowances by 5%

The Shropshire Star reports:

Members have approved a five per cent cut to their basic allowance, which will be £12,120 from April 1.

They have also agreed to reduce their various mileage allowances, bringing the figure down to a standard 40 pence per mile in line with staff travel rates. Current rates for members range from 46p to 65p.

Council leader Keith Barrow said: “There is going to be pain and we should all take our share of it.”

He has also revealed that he has asked officers to approach the Boundary Commission to see whether it will be possible to reduce the number of councillors – currently 74 – which will help make further savings.