Independent Remuneration Panel report

Woking Borough Council has received the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel appointed to review the allowances paid to councillors of Woking Borough Council for 2025 to 2026.

The main features of the Panel’s recommendations are:

1. The basic allowance payable to Councillors be increased to£7,700.
2. The framework for the overall budget for Members Allowances be future increases in Officers’ cost of living increases from 2026 to 2027.
3. Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) to be set as follows for 2025/26 (pro-rated to the Leader’s SRA currently set at £12,000): Deputy Leader of the Council £4,200 (35% of the Leader SRA), Opposition Group Leader £1,200 (10% of the Leader SRA), Portfolio Holder £3,000 (25% of the Leader SRA), Planning Chair £2,400 (20% of the Leader SRA), Scrutiny Committee Chairs £1,200 (10% of the Leader SRA), Licensing Chair £600 (5% of the Leader SRA), Employment Committee Chair £600 (5% of the Leader SRA), Group Leader £600 (5% of the Leader SRA).
4. Travelling allowances to remain in line with HMRC approved mileage rates.
5. The Subsistence Allowance be paid in line with those paid by the Authority.
6. The Dependents’ Carers’ Allowances for Childcare be paid at the rate of £12.21 an hour and for Adult Dependent Carer at the Surrey CC Domiciliary rate.

A further notice will be published following the Council's decision on the recommendations contained in the report.

Copies of the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel are available for inspection by members of the public by appointment between 9am and 4.45pm at the Civic Offices, Gloucester Square, Woking, Surrey GU21 6YL.

Signed: Director of Legal and Democratic Services, Woking Borough Council

Dated: 17 July 2025