I wrote in approval of the return of area committees to Highland Region, including Caithness and Sutherland. I would be less keen on a considerable extra salary allocated to the local councillor leading name as reported by the John o’Groat Journal.
The outgoing Independent-controlled Administration has failed to stall their implementation, citing this as the reason for their opposition.
A councillor’s basic salary is some £16,000 plus expenses/allowances, which already is more than a great many people take home. The appointed area leaders would receive an additional £8,000, above the UK-wide average. Those taking on this roles would be missing a trick if they declined to accept all or part of this, and not appear to some as another bunch of hacks on the make.
21/08/2012 at 15:53 |
Councillor Deirdre Mackay who represents the East Sutherland and Edderton Ward has unanimously been elected as Chairman of the Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee.
and will get an extra wadge of dough.
21/08/2012 at 15:57 |
Yep, I had heard she was in line for it. I haven’t had confirmation that she’s taking the moolah but, as I said above, she’d be missing a trick if she declined.