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# Increase to allowances would have “reflected value we add to residents’ lives”, councillor says
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/increase-to-allowances-would-have-reflected-value-we-add-to-residents-lives-councillor-says/
- Published: 2022-07-13T06:06:00.000Z
- Updated: 2022-07-12T22:06:27.000Z
- Description: Members of Lichfield District Council should have been given an increase of more than 10% in their basic allowances to “reflect the value” they add to the lives of residents, a Conservative councillor has said.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:11, News

Members of Lichfield District Council should have been given an increase of more than 10% in their basic allowances to “reflect the value” they add to the lives of residents, a Conservative councillor has said.

An [independent remuneration panel had proposed the hike](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/report-says-lichfield-and-burntwood-councillors-should-see-allowances-increase-by-more-than-10/), which would have seen payments to all 47 elected members rise from £4,298 a year to £4,734, as well as bumping up the amount paid to those holding additional roles.

The recommendation was rejected after a vote at a meeting of the local authority yesterday (12th July).

But Cllr Ashley Yeates, member for Mease Valley, said the increase would have reflected the commitment given my councillors across the district.

> “I know the time, hard work and devotion that goes in and is sometimes overlooked, but it’s also appreciated by many residents.  
>  
> “While we get an allowance, we are all still aware the cost of living is constantly rising, no more so than now – so any help towards our costs is very welcome.  
>  
> “One councillor told me they attend over 20 parish council meetings each year – that’s a lot of petrol for which we don’t get expenses. And this is just one cost.  
>  
> “This is the kind of commitment all of our councillors give.  
>  
> “I’m grateful this report recommends our allowances should be adjusted to reflect the value we add to residents’ lives in this district.”  
>  
> Cllr Ashley Yeates, Lichfield District Council

But Cllr Joanne Grange, independent member for Chadsmead, told the meeting any increase would be inappropriate given the challenges facing residents.

> “I think the point about parish councils is a red herring – it has nothing to do with this council.  
>  
> “We are in a cost of living crisis. We know food bank usage is going through the roof and residents are struggling to pay their fuel bills.  
>  
> “To even think about raising our allowances at this time is just wrong.  
>  
> “We should not even be having this debate.”  
>  
> Cllr Joanne Grange, Lichfield District Council