Today the BBC on their website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-12515333 reports, obviously after a press release by Mendip District Council, that Mendip Councillors approved a freeze in their allowances, and voted against the independent review body that recommended an increase.
The allowance scheme for Mendip Councillors costs around £244,000 according http://www.mendip.gov.uk/Documents/Councillor%20Information/Members%20Allowances/Constitution%20Appendix%20G%20%20Members%27%20Allowance%20Scheme%202009-10.pdf , of course all councillors may not claim all or part of these allowances.
The question I would ask is a freeze in allowances sharing enough of the 14.8% reduction of government grant? Especially as 23 people are to lose their jobs at Mendip.
A theoretical cut in Members Allowances of 14.8% would raise £36000, least the staff would know the members took a reduction to help the council and the community in these most difficult times.
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