Members' Allowances
Honiton Town Council pays an annual allowance to all Members who wish to claim it. The allowance covers out of pocket expenses incurred by Councillors as a result of their work for the Council within Honiton e.g. mileage, telephone calls, stationery etc. The allowance is governed by the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations.
The Town Council Allowance relates to 7% of the East Devon District Council Allowance. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 Honiton Town Council resolved to make no increase to the level of Members' Allowances; East Devon District Council made a cost of living increase in 2008 but resolved to make no increase in 2009 and 2010. In 2011 the Town Council resolved to regularise its allowance in line with East Devon District Council by paying a members' allowance of £305 per annum. In 2012 the Council resolved to make no further increase to the level of its Members' Allowances and this remains at £305. Recently, Council members have been encouraged by the Town Council and East Devon District Council to go paperless (to receive Council papers electronically) and therefore the allowance is also paid to cover this additional cost incurred by members in carrying out their duties as Councillors. The allowance is taxable which means that each Councillor receives approx £4 per week after tax and it is paid to those Councillors who are elected but not those who have been co-opted.