I have received a number of enquiries from residents alarmed at statements made in leaflets they have received regarding councillors allowances.

Having consulted with council officers I can confirm that after implementing the majority of recommendations made by an independent panel the total cost of  Epsom & Ewell councillors allowances in 2015-16 is projected to be  just under £159,000.

This is an increase of around £7179 in total, or 4.7% compared with the previous year. The average per councillor allowance in Epsom and Ewell is now £4181.79, which is still the lowest by some  considerable margin compared with all other Councils in Surrey.

I can also confirm that council  staff have received a pay rise last year and will do so in the coming year; that there have been no cuts to frontline council services in  the past four years; and that increases in council tax have been used to fund these services and have not been used to increase reserves, contrary to statements made.

I hope these facts will go some way to putting the record straight and allay the concerns of residents.

Councillor Clive Woodbridge

Chairman

Residents Association group of Councillors