Purpose

The Members' Allowances scheme states that any uplifts or changes to Members’ Allowances are implemented on the same date and by the same amount as officers’ salaries are adjusted, in line with the National Joint Conditions. This is normally a percentage, but as it was a fixed amount for 2023/24, a decision was needed for the level of increase.

The National Joint Council agreed that all SCP’s in Grades 5 – 12 would increase by £1925 per SCP, meaning that lower paid employee’s would benefit from a higher percentage increase compared to higher earners and further states that any “other” payments made, outside of the pay scales, are subject to a 3.88% increase. This was applied in the same way last year, following a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members' allowances, and the Panel have approved this approach for 2023/24.

Decision

That members' allowances are increased for 2023/24 by 3.88%.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - The scheme requires an annual increase, and the proposed rate is considered the most reasonable, and in line with a number of other Councils who also usually use the staff percentage rate.
Option 2 -
Option 3 -