Technical Notes 2023, Issue 96 - SLARC Survey re Councillor Remuneration

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is update Members regarding the publication of a questionnaire for Members by the Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee (SLARC).    
2. SLARC is undertaking a review of councillor remuneration, as a means of removing barriers and increasing diversity of elected representatives. In April 2023, SLARC was reconvened to review renumeration for councillors and examine the role and duties of a modern-day councillor. The Committee has been asked to make its recommendations to the Minister for Local Government, Empowerment and Planning.
3. SLARC is determined to ensure that its recommendations closely reflect the experience of Scotland’s councillors. In furtherance of this, it has launched a survey to gauge the views of all councillors in Scotland as a means of informing its work and recommendations.
4. SLARC is asking all councillors to complete the survey about their experiences of the role and gain a better understanding of the expectations placed upon them. The results of this survey will provide the evidence base for SLARC to make its recommendations around councillor remuneration. In light of this, SLARC is keen for as many councillors as possible to complete the survey
5. The results of the survey will;

• Provide an evidential basis for recommendations around remuneration
• Allow the committee to look at issues around other workplace conditions such as resettlement allowances and staffing support.
• Highlight the vital role that councillors play in local democracy

The survey is open for response until 15 June 2023. It should take around 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and all responses will be confidential