South Holland District Council is cutting perk for staff which is costing nearly £100,000 a year

Council bosses won’t be paying out nearly £100,000 a year after deciding to cut a perk for staff.

South Holland District Council is paying out £91,049 a year through the Essential Car User Allowance but this is going to be phased out following a decision by members at the last meeting of the authority.

A total of 107 officers receive the allowance – and can get between £80 and £275 a month, according to a report submitted to the full council meeting on Wednesday last week.

Corporate, governance and communications portfolio holder Coun Jim Astill said that the council will be taking a phased approach to removing this benefit with no posts advertised with this allowance.

Coun Astill said: “Councils in East Lindsey and Boston don’t offer this benefit to their staff.”

He added that the the council offers low interest loans and salary sacrifice schemes.

The report to the meeting states: “Whilst this report isn’t driven by finance, the council will realise a saving in Essential Car User Allowances through the revised policy approach. The saving value or timescale can’t be estimated as the saving will be realised as recipients of the allowance change roles / leave the council.”