The Human Resources and Council Tax Committee was scheduled to consider a revised Retirement and Flexible Retirement Policy and receive an annual update on Market Forces Supplement arrangements. The committee was also scheduled to receive a verbal update on the Council's Career Track service.

Retirement and Flexible Retirement Policy

The committee was scheduled to consider a revised Retirement and Flexible Retirement Policy. This policy was designed to establish a clear and consistent process for managing retirement and flexible retirement applications. It was intended to confirm that the Council does not operate a compulsory retirement age and to reflect relevant employment and equality legislation, as well as the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) rules.

Key provisions of the proposed policy included the introduction of a standard notification form, with employees expected to provide at least three months' notice where possible. A five-stage process was outlined, covering early discussion, pension information, formal notification, confirmation of arrangements, and completion of the leaver process. The policy also detailed eligibility criteria for flexible retirement, which may be available to permanent employees who are active LGPS members and have reached the normal minimum pension age, subject to a permanent reduction in contractual hours of more than 25%, a reduction of at least one grade, or both. Applications were to be considered on their individual merits, taking into account business continuity, service provision, operational impact, affordability, workforce and succession planning, recruitment implications, and knowledge retention.

The report recommended that the committee approve the revised policy. It was also recommended that the committee note that flexible retirement applications would be considered in line with the approved policy and determined according to the delegations set out in the Council's Constitution. The Director of People was to be authorised to implement the approved policy and make any minor, consequential, or legislative amendments to associated procedures, guidance, and documentation that did not materially alter the policy.

Annual Update on Market Forces Supplement Arrangements

The committee was scheduled to receive an annual update on the current Market Forces Supplement arrangements across the organisation. This report was intended to formalise the structured annual reporting arrangements under the Council's Discretionary Market Forces Policy. The policy states that Market Forces Supplements are to be regarded as exceptional, temporary, and objectively justified, only to be considered where there is clear evidence that external labour market conditions are materially affecting the Council's ability to recruit or retain employees with the necessary skills.

The report indicated that decisions on the approval, continuation, variation, or withdrawal of individual Market Forces Supplements are delegated to the Head of Paid Service, following consultation with the Director of People and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Human Resources and Council Tax Committee. The committee's role was to receive collated information to monitor the use of the policy and ensure supplements remain evidence-based and proportionate. Any request for a supplement must be supported by a detailed business case and objective evidence, including consideration of the labour market position, recruitment and retention risk, service need, affordability, alternative resourcing options, review arrangements, and equal pay implications.

The report recommended that the committee note the current Market Forces Supplement arrangements, as set out in Appendix A, and acknowledge that this report formalises the structured annual reporting arrangements. It was also recommended that the committee note the delegation of decisions regarding these supplements. Appendix A was to set out current arrangements by service or professional area, detailing eligibility requirements for roles in Payroll and Payments, IT, People (HR), Planning, Environmental Health, Legal, Elections, and Building and Property.

Career Track - Verbal Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an oral update regarding the Council's Career Track service. This service aims to provide apprenticeships and development opportunities for individuals within the Council.