What scrutiny of elected member allowances and expenses is there in local authorities?
Councils are required to set up an independent panel of at least three people who are not members of the council to review their scheme of allowances and make recommendation's. This is the independent panel that determines the level of allowances at Fylde.
Councils publish their scheme of allowances so that voters can examine what councillors receive. Details of the payments made to each councillor are also published.
Councils are audited by external auditors who ensure that there is a proper process in place for setting the level of allowances and that the rules have been followed. Ultimately, councillors are, of course, accountable at the ballot box.
