Decision details

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report detailing the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) for the Members’ Allowances Scheme 2018/19.

Councillor P Boylan commented on the IRP’s proposals in respect of the Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) for the Chairmen of Human Resources and Licensing Committees.  Councillor D Andrews expressed the view that the previously used “multiplier” for SRAs had been easier to understand and that the emphasis should be on the responsibility of the role rather than attendance numbers.  He referred to the role of Chairman of Licensing Committee and the depth of activity “below the surface” and invited the Monitoring Officer to emphasise this within the next review.

In response, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services explained the rationale of the IRP in making their recommendations.

Councillor L Haysey moved, and Councillor I Devonshire seconded, a motion that the recommendations now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

Council approved the recommendations now detailed.

RESOLVED – that in respect of Members’ Allowances for 2018/19, (A) a 2% increase in the basic allowance be approved;

(B)       a 1% increase in the special responsibility allowance be approved, except for the Chairmen of the Licensing and Human Resources Committees where there will be no change;

(C)       a special responsibility allowance of £2,200 to the Vice Chairman of the Development Management Committee, be approved;

(D)      no change to the allowances be made to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council;

(E)       no change to the Carers and Dependents allowance be made, however the word ‘maximum’ be removed and the Leader be authorised to have discretion to agree claims over and above the amounts and Council agree to review its current approach to carers allowances to ensure flexibility;

(F)       no change to the mileage allowances be made;

(G)      the subsistence allowances be changed with the deletion of breakfast (of more than four hours including the period between 12 noon and 2pm), tea provisions of more than 4 hours ending after 7pm between 2.30 and 7pm and an increase to evening meals to £15.20 in line with officer payments be approved; and

(H)      the Members’ Allowances Scheme be reviewed in 2020.