Sheffield Green Party has responded to the Government’s consultation on “Taxpayer-funded pensions for councillors and other elected local office holders” as follows
“Sheffield Green Party wishes to respond briefly to this consultation to emphasise that access to local democracy is important and indeed vital for the public to regain trust in politicians.
There needs to be adequate remuneration and support so that people of ordinary means and those on the lowest incomes can also be elected. Not only does this require a reasonable remuneration so that elected Councillors can properly commit the appropriate time to Councillor duties in the wards they represent, but it should also carry appropriate pension contributions.
All levels of politics should be seen as a proper responsibility and remunerated fairly – the role is not just a hobby of the rich.”