The former leader of Harrow Borough Council has expressed “disappointment” at claims the council’s wage cuts are “breathtakingly hypocritical”.

Councillor Bill Stephenson has spoken out about Harrow UNISON's claims that the council has cut staff pay while excluding councillors from the cuts.

Cllr Stephenson, said: “I was very disappointed that the unions have totally misrepresented my views.

“Our councillors are paid the third lowest basic allowance out of all London local authorities. In fact, they are only paid three quarters of the amount recommended by the remunerations committee.

“The administration has frozen councillor allowances over its four years in power.

“Just under 50 per cent of councillors only receive the basic allowance.

“This gives them an hourly rate which is under the London Living Allowance so, under the terms and conditions, their pay should be increased.”

Councillor Stephenson also explained that the council is bringing the pay of the lowest paid employees up so that it is in line with the London Living Wage.

The only people who will not benefit from this are the councillors.

Cllr Stephenson’s comments come after UNISON members hit out at what they call “breathtaking hypocrisy” in the council’s wage cuts.

The trade union claimed that while more than 500 members of council staff, including librarians, park keepers and care works, are preparing for large salary cuts, the politicians have voted to exclude themselves from the misery.

UNISON said that councillors have agreed to slash staff pay but that they voted unanimously not to cut their own personal member allowances.

Darren Butterfield of Harrow UNISON said: “In a display of breathtaking hypocrisy Full Council agreed a motion moved by Councillor Graham Henson and former leader Councillor Bill Stephenson that restricted a reduction in councillor’s allowances to only a handful of senior members.

“This is despite the commitment that the former Leader Bill Stephenson gave to staff and unions earlier this year that all councillors would be affected by a similar percentage reduction should an agreement on new terms and conditions be reached with unions.”