Written question asked by Nick Hawkins (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 March 2002. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 March 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, What proposals he has to review allowances for councillors; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Hawkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proposals he has to review allowances for councillors; and if he will make a statement. [36672] Dr. Whitehead: Basic and special responsibility allowances are discretionary allowances, with levels set by individual local authorities, having regard to the recommendations of their independent remuneration panels. Allowance levels will be considered as part of our forthcoming research into the operation of new council constitutions. We are currently considering changes to the regime of travel and subsistence allowances for councillors. We propose that these allowances should also be discretionary and set locally. We consulted on these proposals in October of last year.

Secondary information