Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Review support and payment for councillors in England

Closed 121 signatures

What the petition asks

We ask the government to formally review the system of support and payment for councillors. We think this will help ensure this most vital of roles attracts and retains high quality candidates who are representative of the communities they serve.
It's previously been reported that the average age of councillors in England is 60, 20 years older than the latest estimated median age of England and Wales' population. Government is overseeing a move to single-tier unitary authorities which is likely to mean fewer locally elected representatives. We think a review should look at reinstating the pre-2014 pensions scheme for local government and introducing parental leave as a statutory right, as well as consideration of an independent system to set allowances, loss of office payments and any other measures that may make it easier for people of all ages and backgrounds to stand.

Timeline

23 Jul 2025 Petition opened for signatures
23 Jan 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 121
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 23 Jul 2025
Closed 23 Jan 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 11 Aug 2026.