Powys, Sandwell Councillors Approve Pay Rises Despite Opposition

Councillors in Powys and Sandwell have both recently approved pay rises, though the contexts and reactions differ. In Powys, Reform UK councillors symbolically opposed a salary increase mandated by an external body, citing concerns over the poor state of public services and public affordability, but the rise was approved by a majority, with Reform members pledging to use their increases for residents' benefit. Meanwhile, Sandwell councillors voted to increase their basic allowance by £577 to £12,129, following recommendations from an independent remuneration panel, with council leaders emphasizing that Sandwell's pay remains the lowest in the West Midlands and is not excessive. Opposition councillors in Sandwell expressed dissent, but the pay rise was approved amid a broader council restructuring that will prompt further review of special responsibility allowances. Both councils highlighted that salary rates are set externally, limiting councillors' ability to reject increases outright, although individual councillors may choose to forgo part of the pay rise. The Sandwell pay rise reflects efforts to align with neighbouring authorities after a previous freeze, while Powys councillors raised concerns about transparency in the voting process for the increase.