Following a public consultation in 2019, Weymouth Town Council challenged the Government on the ability of parish and town councils in England to pay the care expenses for dependants of councillors. For example, childcare or care for an older or disabled relative while they attend official Council meetings.
Parish and town councils in Wales can already pay these expenses, as can borough and unitary councils in England, it’s just town and parish councils in England that are disadvantaged as they were left out of the legislation.
Weymouth Town Council think that's unfair and that all parish and town councils in England should have the ability to provide this support for carers if they decide they want to. The Council is not asking the Government to force parish and town councils in England to make these payments, just to give them the option if they want to. Being able to pay such expenses will encourage a more diverse range of people to stand for election and therefore increase how representative the Council is of the people of Weymouth.
Earlier this year, the Government responded saying they did not support Weymouth Town Council's challenge. The Council still believes it's unfair, and will appeal and continue to fight for equity for carers.
Let the Council know how you feel about this below.