What support will I get and do I get paid?
What support will I get?
As already mentioned, regardless of what skills and attributes you bring with you, it is likely you will have a lot to learn about the workings of local government. This is nothing to worry about as you will be supported through an induction programme and ongoing development plans to ensure that you have the skills and training you need to fulfil your role as a councillor.
Some of the training and development will be compulsory dependent upon your role and other training may be optional. You will receive regular updates and information on available training opportunities and you can choose the courses which you think will enable you to develop into your role as a councillor.
The Member Services Team provides personal assistance and administrative support to councillors to assist them in carrying out their council duties including ward casework. We will ensure that reasonable adjustments are also supported if required to enable you to undertake your role, The Team does not support party political work.
You will also be provided with IT equipment and office space to support your in your role.
There will be an induction programme once you are elected covering things such as:
- Directorate market place
- Digital induction (laptop email set up etc)
- Code of Conduct
- Hitting the Ground Running (delivered by the LGA)
- Data protection and cyber security
- Council finances and the budget
- Safeguarding
- Chamber skills
- Procedure for meetings
- Committee training (eg Planning, Licensing)
- The role of scrutiny
Although it can seem daunting at first, the Council is here to support and help in any way we can. Remember, there is no expectation that you will automatically know how to be a councillor.
Will I get paid for my duties?
There is no salary for being a councillor. However, you will be paid an allowance to reimburse you for the time and expenses incurred whilst on council business.
Every councillor is entitled to a basic allowance (£16,886 for the year 2025/26) which is paid into a bank account in 12 monthly instalments along with additional re-imbursement to cover all council related travelling and subsistence when carrying out ‘approved duties’.
Some councillors are given an additional allowance to cover any special responsibilities such as Executive member, scrutiny chair/spokesperson, among others. (For example, the chairs of council committees currently receive £8,431 per year in addition to the basic allowance) For more information about the members’ allowance scheme please download the Council’s constitution. The Constitution – Coventry City Council