Hounslow Council has approved a revised members' allowances scheme for the 2026-27 financial year, designed to increase transparency and accessibility in public life. The new scheme links additional remuneration directly to the time commitment required by specific roles, using a basic allowance of £15,000 as a benchmark.
The Borough Council debated the revised scheme on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, proposed the report, highlighting its dual aims: to ensure public life remains accessible and to provide a clear rationale for councillor remuneration. He emphasised that while financial gain should not be the primary motivation for entering local politics, financial barriers should not prevent individuals from serving their communities.
Councillor Rajawat pointed to a 2022 survey which found that 40% of councillors nationwide were retired, and nearly 60% were male. This demographic suggests an underrepresentation of women, working-age people, and those from working-class backgrounds. He noted that for individuals working long hours, multiple jobs, or those unable to take a pay cut, dedicating approximately 20 hours a week to public service might be unfeasible.
Councillor Max Mosley seconded the report, acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic and the need to address outdated assumptions and inconsistencies in the previous scheme. He explained that the previous system had no consistent relationship between responsibility and remuneration similar increases in responsibility attracted very different increases in pay without a transparent methodology explaining why residents can reasonably understand why some roles are paid more than others and frankly at times neither can we.
The new scheme, he stated, bases all special responsibility allowances (SRAs) solely on the additional time commitment required by each role, moving away from subjective judgments towards an objective measure of time.
Following the debate, the revised scheme was approved. The estimated full-year financial impact of the proposed changes to the Special Responsibility Allowances is £0.2m. The Council will also be liable for employer pension contributions on any pensionable allowances paid to participating Members, with the employer pension contribution on the proposed Basic Allowance of £15,000 being £2,460.
To ensure ongoing transparency and accountability, payments to members will be published on a yearly basis and will be available on the council website. The scheme aims to provide greater transparency around councillor pay and remove barriers to entry for those wishing to serve in public office.
Public reports pack Tuesday 21-Jul-2026 19.30 Borough Council
