Mid and East Antrim councillors approve 3.2% allowance increase to £18,916
- Michelle Weir (Local Democracy Reporter)
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mid and East Antrim councillors have accepted an increase to their basic allowance from the Department for Communities, which will take their annual payment to £18,916.
The 3.2 per cent rise, up from £18,329, will be backdated to 1 April and will apply until 31 March 2026, in line with payments to councillors across Northern Ireland.
Councillors’ basic allowance includes an element for incidentals and consumable costs incurred in the course of their duties, which will now amount to £1,331 of the overall sum. This updated element will apply from April 2025.
An allowance is also paid to councillors who hold special responsibilities, which remains unchanged within Mid and East Antrim. The maximum rate permitted by the Department for Communities is set according to the size of each council area’s population.
In addition to the basic allowance, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim receives a payment of £1,000 per month, while the Deputy Mayor receives £650 per month. The current mayor is Bannside Ulster Unionist councillor Jackson Minford, with Bannside DUP councillor Tyler Hoey serving as his deputy.
Special responsibility allowances are also paid to the council’s committee chairs, who receive £500 per month, and vice-chairs, who receive £300 per month. Partnership Panel representatives are paid £357 per meeting, and group party leaders receive a £40 monthly allowance.
Standard travel allowance rates for councillors using a private vehicle are 65 pence per mile, or 45 pence per mile for electric cars. Overnight accommodation allowances are £100.70 within the UK and £122.45 in London. Meal allowances are set at £11.50 for breakfast, £13.50 for lunch, £20.50 for an evening meal, and a £4.70 tea allowance.
A dependant’s carer allowance is also available at £12.21 per hour, or £24.42 per hour for specialist care.
The scheme of allowances payable to councillors is agreed and issued under the Local Government (Payments to Councillors) Regulations 2019.