Issue - meetings

Minute 544 refers

RESOLVED – that the Pay Policy Statement 2013/14, as now amended be approved.

The Head of People, ICT and Property Services submitted a report seeking support for the publication of the annual Pay Policy Statement 2013/14 by 31 March 2013, as required by Section 38 of the Localism Act.  The Head of People, ICT and Property Services summarised the main points contained in the report which was, she stated, similar to last year’s, but with some minor changes, the detail of which was set out in Essential Reference Paper “B” of the report now submitted. 

Councillor J Ranger provided an update regarding ongoing negotiations between unions regarding the lower paid.  On the issue of disturbance payments, he referred to the fact that many Councils had switched to HMRC (HM Revenues and Customs) rates and of the possibility that East Herts might have to revisit this issue.

Councillor J Ranger referred to the “Pay Ceilings” of Directors’ posts as set out in Essential Reference Paper “B” of the report now submitted, adding that he felt the wording to be confusing as it currently stood.  Following clarification by the Chief Executive and Director of Customer and Community Services, Councillor J Ranger suggested that the wording “will be” should be deleted and replaced with “is” as this did not reflect current pay rates.  This was supported.

Councillor J Ranger noted the reference to a review of senior management pay which had been delayed.  Councillor J Ranger suggested that if the report could be completed quickly it would be beneficial to hold an emergency meeting of the Human Resources Committee to consider it rather than wait until the March meeting.

In response to a query by Councillor G McAndrew regarding health insurance, the Head of People, ICT and Property Services confirmed that BUPA was only available to a small number of senior level employees.  In response to a further query, the Head of People, ICT and Property Services agreed to write to the Member separately regarding how many employees still had use of a lease car.  The casual and essential car user scheme was explained.

Members supported approval of the report, as now amended.

RECOMMENDATION – that the Pay Policy Statement 2013/14, as now amended be approved.