Isle of Wight Councillors will take home more than £9,500 this year for the time they dedicate to the role.

Members agreed their allowance scheme for the financial year ahead yesterday (Thursday), setting the basic amount they will receive as at least £9,605.

An annual uplift, which is yet to be determined but is in line with the nationally agreed increase for Isle of Wight Council employees, could also be added.

Last year, there was an 8.76 per cent uplift for members which increased their allowance from £8,832 to £9,605 — an extra £773.

The council has said an allowance is not a salary but a partial reimbursement of losses incurred for councillors as they are not at work during that time.

Each of the 39 councillors is entitled to the basic allowance but they do not have to accept it or can take only part of it.

Members with more duties — like cabinet members, leaders and chairs of committees — are entitled to additional money, in a 'special responsibility allowance'.

The council leader, Cllr Phil Jordan could get three times the basic allowance — £28,815 — and Cllr Ian Stephens, the deputy leader more than double — £21,611 — in 2024/25.

Cabinet members get twice the allowance — £19,210.

Only one special responsibility allowance is allowed per councillor.

The scheme passed through a vote, with the majority of members in favour however, Cllr Paul Fuller was against it and Cllrs Joe Lever and Peter Spink abstained.