A survey of young councillors indicates that the majority would like to see salaries, childcare and pension support introduced.

More than eight in ten councillors around the country, aged between 18 and 40, struggle to hold down a full-time job while continuing to fulfil their duties as a local councillor, the survey by independent think-tank New Local Government Network (NLGN) reveals.

Eighty-four per cent agree that executive councillors are entitled to a salary, while over two-thirds of those surveyed feel that child support and a pension scheme is essential.

The NLGN has published the results in its new pamphlet entitled Local Government: Young at Heart?, which warns that councils will fail to represent their constituents unless younger people are encouraged to become councillors.

“Young councillors are the lifeblood of local government and local government needs to retain their talents to give it a future,” commented Anthony Brand, author of the publication.

“However, too often young councillors are forced to choose between staying in local government or forwarding their career or starting a family,” he continued.

“Better conditions for young councillors will not solve the problem in itself but will make a bold statement that society wants to keep the brightest and best young candidates in local government.”

The NLGN pamphlet can be downloaded via the think-tank’s website.

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