Councils support staff with pledge for the Real Living Wage

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have pledged their ongoing commitment for paying staff at least the Real Living Wage.

Both councils currently ensure all directly employed council staff receive at least the Real Living Wage and have done for several years. The Real Living Wage (currently £10.90 with an update due to be announced on 24 October this year) is based on the cost of living – looking at the current cost of household goods and services.

Last week, at Vale’s Council meeting on Wednesday 11 October, and South’s Council meeting on Thursday 12 October, councillors put forward a cross-party motion on the Real Living Wage, which were both passed unanimously.

The councils are now working towards accreditation as a Living Wage employer with the Living Wage Foundation.

This will include setting out a plan of action so all future companies seeking to win council contracts are committed to paying, as a minimum, the Real Living Wage. Whilst it is not in our power to change existing contracts, we will urge our current suppliers and contractors to follow our example and commit to the Real Living Wage.

Cllr David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “By reaffirming our commitment for paying at least the Real Living Wage, we are demonstrating to our staff, residents and suppliers that we recognise the importance of the Real Living Wage in helping to reduce in-work poverty.
“As we work towards our own accreditation, we plan to make it a pre-requisite for all future council contracts that companies we work with are committed to paying, as a minimum, the Real Living Wage. We also urge our existing suppliers to follow our lead.”

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “With the cost-of-living crisis biting, this is one of the many ways we are seeking to financially support staff during these tough times. It demonstrates how we value our staff and the vital work they do to provide services.
“We will be calling on all our existing suppliers to follow our lead in committing to paying at least the Real Living Wage. Not only will this be a great benefit to staff, but it also has the added impact of helping with recruitment and staff retention and improved performance.”

For details of the motions at Council:
South Oxfordshire District Council – Full Council Agenda – Motion proposed by Councillor Robb, seconded by Councillor Filipova Rivers
Vale of White Horse District Council – Full Council Agenda – Motion proposed by Councillor Foxhall, seconded by Councillor Crawford

For more information on the Real Living Wage visit:
www.livingwage.org.uk/what-real-living-wage