https://www.reddit.com/r/Edinburgh/comments/1j022m3/msp_payrise_protests/
created by heid-banger on 28/02/2025 at 07:14 UTC
0 upvotes, 8 top-level comments (showing 8)
Sorry if this has already been posted, but with the recent vote on both council tax going up between 8-10% accross the Lothians, aswell as councillor's pay going up a staggering 40-50% there is understandably a lot of anger right now. Has anyone heard of any protests being organised outside Holyrood? Or would it be more beneficial outside local council buildings? Other people on my local Facebook page have suggested withholding council tax but letting the amount build up in a savings account for when the time comes to release it. I've never organised something like this so wouldn't know where to start which is why I'm interested in hearing if anything is already being planned. However I feel like a stand needs made, otherwise this is just going to be a week of angry comments online before we just let this slide like everything else.
Edited to add - sorry I wrote the title before coffee and should have written 'Councillors'!
Comment by meldariun at 28/02/2025 at 07:42 UTC
35 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Im not going to protest a councillor going from 25k to 35k nor am i going to protest 32k to 50.
25k -32 was shockingly low. The median salary is 38k in Scotland 2024. Im actually surprised to learn some councils were as low as 25
Comment by Helzibob at 28/02/2025 at 07:50 UTC
13 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I would think twice about withholding council tax payment as a form of protest. If you don’t pay it goes to warrant and increases by 10% plus sheriff charges get added too.
I think increases are needed. What I’m more concerned about is that wages are increasing by such small amounts if at all.
Comment by ImpressiveReason7594 at 28/02/2025 at 07:42 UTC*
27 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Can't say either of them particularly bother me. Basic councillor pay was absolutely shit and the council tax rise is probably what I would've been paying if it wasnt frozen.
Of all the stuff to be raging at (rent, mortgage interest rates, lack of affordable housing, your own wages, gas and Lecky prices etc) it wouldn't be this.
Comment by mos_eisely_ at 28/02/2025 at 07:49 UTC
16 upvotes, 0 direct replies
If the average salary for a councillor improves, compared to the low salaries they are on now then a number of things should happen;
1. More people are attracted to stand as a councillor
2. Councillors don't need to work two jobs and can spend time and focus far more on the role
Both of which should lead to improvements for us all
Comment by Osprenti at 28/02/2025 at 07:59 UTC
14 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Sounds like you're in a bit of a Facebook echo chamber, I don't think there is any anger around this.
Comment by 37025InvernessTMD at 28/02/2025 at 07:48 UTC
5 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Comment by Creepy-Eye-5219 at 28/02/2025 at 08:18 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
It’s only senior councillors whose pay is going up that much, there’s only a handful of them and to be fair they’re the ones with a lot of work to do.
Comment by Training_Look5923 at 28/02/2025 at 08:15 UTC
0 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Can someone contact Billy Bragg about writing a song?