Members' Allowances Scheme
Councils are revising and reviewing Members' Allowances Schemes, with Hounslow Council recently approving a new scheme to link payments to time commitment.
Hounslow Council approved a revised Members' Allowances Scheme on 15 September 2026, aiming to restructure payments based on time commitment and ensure public service accessibility. This followed an earlier approval in July 2026. Harrow Council also approved a new scheme on 20 May 2026, though with dissent from some councillors. Bexley Council approved its scheme for the 2026/27 municipal year on 27 May 2026.
Haringey Council's Standards Committee reviewed the scheme on 14 September 2026, having discussed updates in July and June 2026. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Administration Committee discussed proposed changes in June 2026. Meanwhile, Sutton Council saw an opposition amendment for equal resources for opposition groups defeated in May 2026, which aimed to address disparities in the scheme.
Harrow Council is scheduled to discuss the topic further on 1 October 2026. Waltham Forest Council decided on 21 May 2026 to keep its existing scheme unchanged until at least March 2027. Members' Allowances Schemes detail the financial remuneration and expenses councillors are entitled to claim for their official duties.
Key facts
- Hounslow Council approved a revised scheme on 15 September 2026, linking payments to time commitment. Source
- Hounslow Council approved a revised scheme for 2026-27 on 21 July 2026, using a £15,000 basic allowance benchmark. Source
- Bexley Council approved its Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/27 on 27 May 2026. Source
- Harrow Council approved a new scheme on 20 May 2026, with 42 votes in favour and 13 against. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.