Councillor Terry Chivers and I have submitted the following Notice of Motion to Wiltshire Council for debate on Tuesday, July 14.

“Council congratulates the decision of the Prime Minister, David Cameron, not to increase ministerial salaries for the duration of the present Parliament. The stated reason for this is to clearly set a public example in these hard times.

With this in mind, Wiltshire Council should follow the Conservative Government’s example and reconsider its own decision to substantially increase its special responsibility allowances.”

Proposed: Jeff Osborn Seconded: Terry Chivers In fact, ministerial salaries have been frozen since 2010. As we all know there has been a series of cuts in service and increases in charges by Wiltshire Council – with even more to come. These have hit local people, many of whom have not seen their own incomes increase.

Whenever I talk to local people on these matters they link these cuts to increases in members’ allowances, particularly those to cabinet members and portfolio holders. Surely it is time Wiltshire Council set an example – similar to the Government. Jane Scott should emulate David Cameron.

If you require further information, clarification, or comment please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Osborn, Independent Wiltshire Councillor, Trowbridge Grove.