Move to allow councillors paternity leave
03/07/2025
Allowances would still be paid whilst they were away from the role
by Esme Kenney, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors on Oxfordshire County Council could be entitled to parental leave for the first time.
If the new policy is approved, councillors who give birth will get up to six months maternity leave from the due date, with the option to extend this to up to a year if the council agree.
Councillors can also get a minimum of two weeks paternity leave, and up to six months adoption leave.
A report outlining the new policy will be discussed at the full council meeting next Tuesday, July 8.
The report says the policy will help increase and maintain diversity within the council and make public office more accessible.
It would cover maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, as well as parental bereavement and adoption leave.
Councillors will receive their basic allowance while on leave, and those who receive special responsibility allowance, such as cabinet members, will also be entitled to them.
The county council do not currently have a parental leave policy for elected councillors, and there is also no legal right to paternity leave for councillors.
The proposal aligns with the Local Government Association’s parental leave policy for councils.
This has been adopted by a number of local authorities including South Oxfordshire District Council, as well as councils in Manchester and Durham.
Councillor allowances are paid regardless of meeting attendance.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
