The Independent Remuneration Panel annually reviews allowances paid to county councillors and is recommending payments for members of the new North Yorkshire Council that reflect their increased workload within the new authority.

Proposed rates of both basic and special responsibility allowances will see councillors paid at a level similar to comparable unitary councils, such as Cornwall and Northumberland.

On April 1, a new single authority, North Yorkshire Council, will replace the existing county council and seven district and borough authorities.

At the same time, the number of councillors in the county will reduce from 319 to 90.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council’s executive will consider the panel’s proposals next Tuesday (January 24) before the panel’s recommendations go to the full county council for a decision at its meeting in February.

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If the proposals are approved, the basic allowance for a member of North Yorkshire Council will be £15,500 in 2023/24.

Currently, within the county council, the basic allowance is £10,316.

Special responsibility allowances will be at least four per cent higher than the current county council allowances, depending on the role.