Salford’s Labour-run council has approved a controversial rise in allowances for councillors and the City Mayor, sparking criticism from opposition parties and residents.
At a full council meeting on 21 May 2025, the council voted to accept recommendations from an Independent Remuneration Panel. The panel said councillors were often working up to 80 hours a week and should be paid more to reflect their growing responsibilities.
The decision means basic allowances for councillors will rise by £1,210, increasing from £12,790 to £14,000 a year. The City Mayor, Paul Dennett, will see his total allowance rise to £98,000. Deputy Mayors and other senior councillors will also receive increases.
The pay rise was supported by 37 Labour councillors. The five Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors voted against it. Conservative councillor Bob Clarke called the decision “an insult to residents,” especially at a time when council tax and living costs are going up. He argued that the extra money could have been used to support vulnerable people, such as pensioners struggling with heating bills.
