Earlier this week, the Scottish Parliament passed legislation amending the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (remuneration) regulations 2007. This confirms that Councillors have been awarded a 1% pay rise for 2013/14 and a further 1% for 2014/15. The new legislation comes into effect on 18th February 2014.
I have advised the City Council’s Director of Corporate Services that I will refuse the increase in salary and I have asked for the money to be used to benefit Dundee good causes, just as I did with the previous councillor salary increase in 2009.
Having refused the councillor salary increase in 2009, I have maintained this stance every year thereafter. Additionally, I never claim expenses - and have not done so throughout my 13 years on the City Council.
I will continue throughout the current council term to refuse any increase in councillor salary, accepting pre-2009 salary levels, and, as long as I am a member of Dundee City Council, I will never claim expenses of any kind.
I am privileged to serve the people of the West End on Dundee City Council. It is not about remuneration - it is about getting things done for the people of the West End.