Decision

With the EKJIRP at its meeting on 18 March 2024, not having made any amendments to the allowances scheme agreed at the Full Council meeting of the 22 February 2024 (attached at Annex 1) the S.151 Officer is exercising his delegated authority to finalise and agree the amended scheme. These changes will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

Reasons for the decision

The S.151 Officer has delegated power to agree the scheme of members allowances if there are no recommendations after review by the East Kent Joint Independent Remuneration Panel (EKJIRP). This avoids reports that only need noting being sent for consideration by the Full Council.

Alternative options considered

The s.151 Officer could not implement the decision of Council, but this would be against the wishes of the Council and there are no legal reasons for the s151 Officer not to implement the decision of Council.