About councillors' allowances

• Councillors are not paid a salary for their work, but they do receive allowances.
• By law, every local authority has to agree a Scheme of Allowances which includes how much councillors should receive for undertaking their duties.
• Before a council can make or amend its scheme, it should consider any recommendations made by an Independent Remuneration Panel.  
• The main elements are a basic allowance, special responsibility allowances and mileage and subsistence rates.
• Allowances paid to councillors are subject to income tax.
• Waverley's mileage and subsistence rates are paid at the rates determined by the National Joint Council for local authorities. 
• Councillors' allowances are increased in line with the annual pay award for staff.

Current scheme of allowances

Members' Allowance Scheme 2026 to 2027

The current scheme of allowances came into effect on 1 April 2026.

Allowances and expenses paid to Waverley Borough Councillors

To promote transparency in the use of public funds and decision-making, we publish details of Councillors' allowance claims.

View payments made to Councillors 2025 to 2026

Members' Allowance Scheme 2025 to 2026