NEW South Ayrshire Council Leader Douglas Campbell says that efforts are being made to reduce the cost of councillors while emphasising the importance of their job.

He told the Ayr Advertiser Series that there had been a cut in the number of senior councillors - who earn more than the standard councillor pay of £16,927, from 14 to 12. 

And pay rises - set by the Scottish Government - will be tied into average public sector pay. Previously councillor remuneration was considered separately. 

In March this year, the Minister advised Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) that future councillors' pay will increase each year, in line with the increase of the annual earnings of public sector workers in Scotland.

This means that an increase to councillors' pay of 0.2 per cent.

All councillors receive a basic income of £16,927 per year and the Leader of South Ayrshire Council will be paid £33,857, including the basic income.

The Provost is paid a maximum of £25,393.

The saving made by reducing the number of senior councillors will be returned to the council budget. 

Councillor Campbell commented: "This has saved nearly £36,000 on the £296,000 figure, which will go towards the budget and we have reallocated the jobs among the 12 senior councillors.

"It is a decision, I think, seems to be reasonable one."

He added: "When you stand for council, it is about the difference you want to make and not about what you get paid."