The true cost of Local Governance

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Since the number of local government representatives doubled after the recent election, the cost, the taxpaying general public have to bear to provide allowances and other facilities to these representatives. Over 8,500 local government representatives have been elected to 340 local government bodies. The number of representatives has increased by approximately 4,000. A Mayor receives an allowance of Rs. 30,000 approximately, while the Chairman of a council receives Rs. 25,000. A Deputy Mayor receives Rs. 25,000 while Deputy Chairman of a council receives an allowance of Rs.20,000. The near 7,800 members of bodies are due to receive a monthly allowance of Rs.15,000. As a result, the present system would mean that the members' allowances covering all local government bodies alone, would amount to a sum exceeding Rs. 1,855 million annually. In addition, the cost of public service is set to rise further when considering costs of vehicles, fuel and phone allowances among others.