Exeter City Council Approves Member Allowances for 2026/27 Financial Year
Exeter City Council has officially set the allowances for its members for the 2026/27 period, following recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel. This decision was made in accordance with a statutory notice published on the Public Notice Portal and in the Exeter Express & Echo. The council gave its approval to the scheme on January 13, 2026, with the payments scheduled to take effect from April 1, 2026.
Headline Allowance Rates for 2026/27
The allowances structure includes a basic allowance and various special responsibility allowances (SRA) for specific roles. Here are the key figures:
- Basic allowance: £7,296
- Special responsibility allowances (SRA):
- Leader: £23,714
- Deputy Leader uplift (portfolio holder plus 25% of basic): £1,344
- Leaders of opposition groups: allowances vary based on group size, ranging from 20% to 60% as outlined in the scheme
- Executive members with portfolios: £12,769
- Executive members without portfolio: £1,824
- Chairs of Scrutiny Committee (two positions): £7,296 each
- Deputy Chairs of Scrutiny Committee (two positions): £3,648 each
- Chair of Planning Committee: £7,296
- Deputy Chair of Planning Committee: £3,648
- Chair of Licensing Committee: £5,472
- Chair of Audit and Governance Committee: £3,648
- Deputy Chair of Audit and Governance Committee: £1,824
- Chair of the Council Housing and Development Advisory Board (HRA funded): £3,648
- Chair of the Harbour Board: £1,824
- Member Champions: £1,824
- Lord Mayor's expenses allowances: £7,296
- Deputy Lord Mayor's allowances: £1,824
Important note: If a councillor qualifies for more than one SRA, only the higher allowance is payable, ensuring fairness and avoiding duplication.
Care, Travel, and Committee Support Provisions
The scheme also includes provisions for additional support to assist councillors in their duties:
- Dependants' carers' allowance: This allowance matches the hourly Living Wage from April each year. For specialist care for a child or adult dependent, up to £25 per hour (or part hour) may be approved in advance with the Democratic Services Manager.
- Independent Persons (Audit and Governance Committee): They receive £50 for up to four hours of work and £100 for four hours or more, with a maximum of £500 per person per year.
- Travel and subsistence: Councillors are entitled to the same allowances as staff, where appropriate, to cover expenses incurred during official duties.
Accessing the Report and Further Information
A copy of the Independent Remuneration Panel’s full report is available for public viewing on the council’s official website. Alternatively, it can be requested directly from Democratic Services via email at democratic.services@exeter.gov.uk. The statutory notice is also accessible on the Public Notice Portal for reference purposes.
Individuals who have concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted by these allowances are encouraged to contact Democratic Services for guidance and clarification. For those seeking to read the full notice or ask questions, the report remains available online, and inquiries can be directed to the same email address.
This statutory notice was published on the Public Notice Portal and appeared in print in the Exeter Express & Echo, ensuring transparency and public awareness. Staying informed about such local decisions is crucial for community engagement and accountability.
