12 February 2013 Our ref: 210264

Thank you for your request received on 21 January 2013, for the following information: As I am sure you are aware, both Conservative and Labour groups in Barnet have a taxpayer funded full time political assistant, who's role is a purely political one. Please can you tell me how much money these assistants cost the taxpayer. We have processed this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Response The salary scale for the Political Assistant Post is from spinal column point (SCP) 33 to SCP 38. The costs to the council will be the salary plus on-costs which include items like National Insurance etc and the costs will depend on whether a post holder is a member of the pension scheme or not. For two political assistants each at SCP 33 the costs to the council per annum for both posts including on costs would be 78,353.04 in pension scheme and 65,305.20 not in the pension scheme. For two political assistants each at SCP 38 the costs to the council per annum for both posts including on costs would be 88922.88 in pension scheme and 74202.00 not in the pension scheme. Your rights If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can request a review within the next 20 working days by writing to the FOI Officer at: The London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP (email foi@barnet.gov.uk). If, having exhausted our review procedure, you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you will have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at: The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF (telephone: 0303 123 1113; website www.ico.gov.uk). There is no charge for making an appeal.