Critics Slam Increase in Lawmakers’ Monthly Allowances: Lack of Morality in Spotlight

News of a maximum increase of 500,000 won (about $400) in the monthly allowances for local council members has sparked criticism in some quarters.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, next year, the local council member allowances for metropolitan cities and provinces will increase by 500,000 won (about $400) and for cities, counties, and districts by 400,000 won (about $300). This is the first increase in local council allowances since 2003.

With the increase, the allowance for metropolitan council members will rise from 1.5 million won ($1,145) to 2 million won ($1,527) per month, and for basic council members, from 1.1 million won to 1.5 million won ($840 – 1,145).

The local council member allowances, which are separate from annual salaries and include costs for collecting legislative materials, research, and assistant activities, are paid separately.

Some are raising criticism that the increase in local council allowances reverses the austerity financial policy, citing low satisfaction with local council activities and decreasing local government revenue.

In a 2021 survey by the Korea Local Research Institute on ‘Satisfaction with the Legislative Activities of Local Council Members,’ only 13% of respondents said they were ‘satisfied.’ Those who were ‘dissatisfied’ accounted for nearly three times that number, at 38.5%. The main reasons for dissatisfaction were a lack of professionalism and morality.

Most local governments nationwide are entering into austerity finance from next year due to decreased revenue. Notably, Seoul City has cut its budget for the first time in 13 years. In addition, many cities and provinces have accepted budget cuts as a matter of course.