Annual Pay Policy Statement 2022-23

Ashford Borough Council continues its commitment to supporting its lowest paid staff after consolidating the Ashford Living Wage Allowance into its regular pay scales. This means that the council’s lowest paid staff continue to receive an hourly rate which aims “to be better” than the statutory National Living Wage in the longer term, in a more sustainable way and to help underpin a thriving local economy.

The Government’s current rate for the National Living Wage (NLW) (for those aged 23 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (NWM) is £9.50 whereas the council’s lowest hourly rate is set at £10.60 per hour.

As approved at the latest Cabinet meeting held on 28 April, the Ashford Apprentice Wage Allowance (AAWA) will also increase to 20 pence per hour over the National Minimum Wage rate applicable to the age of the apprentice.

Cllr Alan Pickering Portfolio Holder for Human Resources and Customer Services, said: “Ashford Borough Council intends to maintain its position as an employer with good employment practices and a remuneration structure that rewards our staff based on systems to maintain fairness at all times.

“We are conscious of the need to ensure the lower paid members of our staff and Apprentices are paid a rate that can sustain family life and make Apprenticeships accessible to all.”