I recognise John Mason’s point that councillors play a vital role in local communities and decision making across local authorities. I am grateful for all their contributions.

I am currently considering SLARC’s report in which it sets out its recommended remuneration rates for councillors, which reflect changing roles and responsibilities. It is important that there is due diligence and due consideration is given to the report. As I said, we will publish our response in due course. However, we want to ensure that we make being a councillor an attractive proposition, not just for current councillors but for future generations of councillors.