Waltham Forest councillors have approved new allowances for opposition councillors, aiming to ensure public office is accessible to a broader range of residents and to foster a more constructive cross-party culture.
The decision was made during a Council meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, where the Scheme of Members' Allowances for 2026-27 was debated and agreed. The full details of the meeting's agenda and reports can be found in the Public reports pack.
The proposed changes include the introduction of Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for leaders and chief whips of qualifying opposition groups. To be eligible for an SRA, an opposition group must comprise at least one-tenth of the Council's membership.
According to the report on the Scheme of Members' Allowances 2026-27, Group leaders and whips carry substantial responsibilities, coordinating members, supporting participation, managing council business and enabling scrutiny and challenge. Recognizing that work helps us build the constructive cross-party culture that residents rightly expect. It ensures that different groups have the capacity to contribute properly to democratic life of the Council, whether through challenge, collaboration or the development of alternative ideas.
Councillor Rob Gardner, who moved the report on the scheme, stated that recognising this work helps to build a constructive cross-party culture. Appropriate allowances help make public office accessible to a broader and more representative range of residents,
he said.
Councillor Solène Fabios seconded the report, adding that supporting effective opposition strengthens the whole Council and helps create a culture where members can disagree constructively and collaborate where possible.
However, Councillor Caramel Quin raised concerns about the financial implications, arguing that taxpayer money should be spent where it matters most. This Council does not have spare money,
she stated.
The report also outlines the overall budget for members' allowances. The total budget for members' allowances for 2026-27, excluding employer's National Insurance Contributions, is £1.648 million. The introduction of the two additional SRAs for opposition members will increase this total budget to £1.674 million, representing an increase of £26,000.
Councillor Emma Best countered, asserting that the proposed allowances represented a saving compared to previous arrangements and that the new SRAs were fair and reasonable. She highlighted that the previous administration had two deputy leaders for no reason, costing £38,000, whereas the new proposal was £26,000, representing a net saving.
The recommendations were ultimately agreed by the Council.
