An independent panel is being assembled to review Gateshead councillors' allowances, with the current arrangements described as "now overdue" for examination. The review will look at what councillors are paid for their service, including any additional special responsibility extras.
The council's new Reform leadership has stated that the majority of its own councillors have already written to the payroll department to turn down the latest rise of 3.3%.
Council statement on the review
A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: "The members' allowances scheme was approved by full council and, once introduced, it had been subject to periodic review. However, a review of the current arrangements is now overdue. An independent review of governance was completed at Gateshead Council earlier this year and included recommendations to strengthen oversight and ensure policies and procedures are reviewed and updated appropriately. We are considering those recommendations with a view to implementation. An independent review of members' allowances is also planned."
Annual allowance figures as of April 2026
According to the local authority, councillors are entitled to the following annual allowances, as of April 2026:
- Basic allowance: £13,556
- Leader: £40,673
- Deputy Leader: £27,112
- Cabinet members (7): £20,339
- Overview and scrutiny chairs (4): £20,339
- Overview and scrutiny vice chairs: £8,477
- Other committee chairs: £16,944
- Other committee vice-chairs: £8,477
- Leader of the main opposition group: £20,339
- Deputy Leader of the main opposition group: £8,376
- Co-opted members of council committees (3): £901
Reform councillors decline increase
Leader of Gateshead Council Nick Allan said: "We're pleased to advise that a new remuneration committee will be convened soon. In the meanwhile, the majority of Gateshead Reform councillors have already written to the payroll department of the council, advising that they have voluntarily turned down the latest rise of 3.3% which was awarded to all councillors this month.
"They will not be taking the increase. At a time when our residents are facing pressures from the increased costs of living and hugely increased taxation by this government, we feel that it is morally bankrupt to accept such a benefit."
