Government agrees a reform in councillor pay and conditions

The Government today approved proposals to reform the remuneration payable to local councillors.

“The proposals approved by Government take account of the recommendations of the independent review of the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected Members, led by Ms Sara Moorhead SC, published in 2020, and subsequent feedback from councillors and their representative bodies,” said Mr. Peter Burke, TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning.

“The Government has met its Programme for Government commitment to implement the Moorhead Report within 12 months. The reforms approved will come into effect from 1 July,” added the Minister.

This reform of pay arrangements for councillors will rebalance financial supports away from expenses allowances in favour of more normal, taxable salaried income.

The role of councillor expanded very significantly as a result of the major local government reforms of 2014. Those reforms reduced the number of local authorities from 114 to 31 and the number of elected members from 1,627 to 949. Important functions were transferred to local government in the areas of economic development and community development. The position of elected councils was also enhanced through additional reserved functions and stronger governance powers. The reforms introduced over seven years ago now have never been reflected in councillor’s pay.

“It is recognised that there will be additional costs involved in meeting this package, possibly up to €9m per annum. However, the role of Councillor is an important one, particularly in relation to statutory policy making and strategic development of our communities, governance of the local authority, local leadership and advocacy, and community representation. An acceptable level of remuneration is a key factor in the attraction and retention of competent, capable and diverse local representativest,” said the Minister.

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