Issue - meetings

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services presented a report on recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel. 

The Leader proposed an alteration to the recommendations set out in the report, to add the following words:  “that Council (1) defers consideration of the Independent Remuneration Panel's review of allowances and recommendations as set out at (a) to (d); and (2) the current scheme of Members' Allowances be continued either until 13 May 2021, or until such time as the Council adopts a revised scheme of allowances, whichever shall be the earlier”.  She therefore proposed a motion to support the altered recommendations.

Councillor Devonshire seconded the motion. 

Councillor Crystall said he echoed the decision to defer consideration of the review of Members’ allowances, to show support for the District’s residents. 

Councillor Goldspink said she too agreed with this approach.  She expressed her thanks to the Independent Remuneration Panel for the work they had done in their review, which had preceded the Coronavirus pandemic’s impact in this country and district. 

Councillor Newton agreed that now was not the time to consider recommendations to increase Members’ allowances. 

Councillor Redfern agreed that it would be unconscionable to consider increased allowances when others were struggling financially.  She also thanked the Panel, and expressed thanks to the Executive for their exceptional work in dealing with the Coronavirus situation. 

Councillor Ward-Booth said he supported the alteration of the Leader to the recommendations, and hoped that the Panel would have the opportunity to meet again before making further recommendations to Council.

Councillor Bell echoed the support for the approach being taken, and said she was particularly keen to endorse acceptance, in due course, of the increased dependants’ carers’ allowance.  This measure was important in ensuring Members or potential Councillors were not deterred from representing their community through having carer responsibilities. 

The motion being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, it was declared CARRIED. 

RESOLVED – that Council (A) defers consideration of the Independent Remuneration Panel's review of allowances and recommendations as set out at (a) to (d); and

(B)   the current scheme of Members' Allowances be continued either until 13 May 2021, or until such time as the Council adopts a revised scheme of allowances, whichever is earlier.