Bill Weightmam Image 1
MEMBERS of Merseyside Police Authority could vote themselves huge new increases in their annual allowance.
The chairman of the authority, Cllr Bill Weightman, could see his basic allowance go up from £13,495 to £23,700.
Other members, who currently receive £11,041 per year, would receive £13,200 if they vote for the proposals. Those with “special responsibilities” would get an additional top-up payment of up to £4,400.
The police authority monitors the performance of Merseyside Police and is made up of elected members drawn from all five Merseyside councils, along with non-elected independent members.
A decision on the increases was deferred at a recent meeting of the authority so it could be considered at an “awayday”.
Members will vote for three options: maintaining their current allowance, voting for a smaller increase, or voting for the highest level of allowance.
The recommendations were drawn up after a review by an independent panel, the first since 2001.
