Due to a problem with the post, I've not had my payslips up recently. However, problem now rectified and so two months payslips below.
Both are near identical, showing my combined 'allowance' (salary) from both my role as a Councillor and my position as Chairman of the Places Committee. The Chairman role comes with it's own allowance.
Given the resources of the council, I am not able to call the Places Committee as often as I want. I don't view a few meetings a year as justification for the allowance given. This is why I've decided to go beyond the basics. Last month I visited parliament and set out Havering's position with regards to the housing allowance (housing falls under my remit). I have also started a series of briefing events for councillors, which don't require the same council resources. More on that another time.
The above is to say this. I think councillors should earn their allowance. I think Chairman, Cabinet Members, Senior Councillors should be earning what they are paid.
I won't comment on if they are or not. But I am to prove to you I am earning mine.
If you think I'm not, remember that I run a performance feedback service. Anyone can let me know what I'm doing at any time. Anonymous or named.
My August Pay
I was paid a total of £1492.67 before tax. This was made up of £867.67 from my basic allowance as a Councillor. All Councillors get this. £625.00 is from my role as Chairman of the Places Committee.
Tax is payable on my salary and I paid £351.96 in August, including £53.36 in National Insurance.
This makes my take home pay £1140.71
My September Pay
I was paid, to the penny, the same as in August.
£1492.67 was pre-tax. £867.67 from my basic and £625.00 is from my role as Chairman of the Places Committee.
I paid £351.96 in August, including £53.36 in National Insurance.
This makes my take home pay £1140.71
If it's the same every month then why publish the same thing every time?
You, as a Havering taxpayer, are my employer. Everyone's employer knows what they are paid and you should have easy access to this information if you want it.
Things can change. Maybe I lose my day-job and my tax payments drop. Maybe I lose my position as Chair and my allowance drops.
There is not a month go by when my residents are unable to find out what I was paid.
That's how it should be.
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