AN ORGANISATION representing local government in Scotland has called for a pay increase for local councillors ahead of elections this May. 

Leaders at Cosla, which represents Scotland’s 32 local councils, said that the amount councillors are paid should be brought in line with the real living wage.

Research by Cosla found that financial barriers were cited as one reason why several female councillors are not standing for re-election, or considering not running again.

The current salary for a councillor is £18,604, with elected representatives working on average 38.6 hours a week in their role — the equivalent of a full-time job.

Cosla said its research “highlighted the insufficiency of current remuneration for the responsibilities of the modern councillor.”

The organisation’s president, Councillor Alison Evison said: “Together with my elected member colleagues, I already passionately believe in local democracy as a real positive force for good within our communities — that is why we stand for election.

“However, to meet the next challenge we need realistic and proper remuneration that better reflects the role of a modern-day councillor.”