Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report detailing the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) for the Members’ Allowances Scheme 2017/18.  She referred to the recommendations at the head of the report and advised that two of the IRP’s recommendations had been omitted.  These related to the cessation of the £270 payment for Development Management Committee Members and the subsistence arrangements for overnight accommodation.  She asked that these be included in Council’s determination.

In response to a question from Councillor D Andrews, the Head advised that the IRP’s use of the word “disapplied” meant “discontinued”.

In respect of the IRP recommendation to cease the £270 payment, Councillor M Casey spoke against this on the basis that it would cost the Council more and increase the bureaucracy in managing the additional mileage claims.  Other Members spoke in support of this recommendation on the basis that it was fairer, more transparent and would not penalise substitute Members.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the IRP’s recommendations were approved by Council.  Council approved the Members’ Allowances Scheme as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) an increase of 1% in the basic and special responsibility allowances be supported;

(B)      the Chairmen of each revised Scrutiny Committee (from 5 to 2) each receive a payment of £6,400;

(C)      there be no change in the Carers and Dependents allowance;

(D)      there be an amendment to the provision in relation to mileage allowance from 0.45p for the first 50 miles to 0.45p for the first 10,000;

(E)      the provision relating to ‘out of district’ payments for journeys at 0.25 after the first 50 miles be discontinued;

(F)       there be an amendment to remove the requirement under approved duties at point 4 of Appendix 2 of the scheme to have prior approval for attendance at meetings;

(G)      the Members’ Allowance Scheme be subject to an in-depth review for 2018/19;

(H)      the payment of £270 to Members of Development Management Committee, cease; and

(I)        the proposed subsistence levels detailed in the report be implemented and that the subsistence scheme be amended by the inclusion of the sentence “the most cost effective” overnight accommodation.