Allowance Increase Plans Untimely and Disproportionate

Commenting on the Independent Remuneration Panel's recommendation on the allowance paid to the Mayor of Bedford which will be presented to a meeting of Bedford Borough Council next week, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Michael Headley said:

"We cannot support the Independent Remuneration Panel's recommendation for a 19.5% increase in the allowance for the position of Mayor. This would take the payment up to £57,000. At a time when council budgets are tight and council tax bills are an increasingly heavy burden on taxpayers, I believe that the Panel are way out of step with local residents on this."