Proposed by Cllr Henwood

Independent member motion

Each councillor receives a basic allowance of £5,142. This allowance is intended to help councillors meet the costs of representing their communities. The pandemic has caused a great deal of hardship both in the public and private sector, with in need of universal credit suffering from food poverty and as we approach winter fuel poverty.

Council is agreed that in recognition of their community’s increased need for support. Councillors are encouraged individually contribute 20% from their basic allowance to support the efforts of the Oxford Hub or other bodies that continue support our local communities.

Therefore, Council asks that:

•               Each Oxford City Councillor agrees to commit 20% of their basic allowance to support local community groups, making personal contributions from their monthly allowance

•               The portfolio holder for supporting local communities identifies and advertise to councillors groups and projects committed to alleviating hardship

•               On the Council’s behalf the leader writes to local MP’s and the leader of County Council requesting a similar scheme be introduced both locally and nationally.

Officer’s explanatory note:

This motion would not affect the Members’ Allowances Scheme or the allowances paid to each councillor but if passed would encourage each councillor individually to make donations from the allowances they receive. Such donations may be to groups identified by the portfolio holder, or to other groups. It would be for Councillors to take account of their own circumstances and the needs of their community when deciding on any such donation.

This motion was not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished.