Purpose

To receive the report of the Joint Independent Remuneration
Panel on Members’ Allowances.

Content

The Executive RESOLVED to
RECOMMEND to Council the implementation of a new scheme of
Councillor’s allowances, having taken into consideration the
Independent Remuneration Panel’s recommendations, as amended
by the Executive and set out below:
 

An increase in Basic Allowance to
all 50 councillors from £5,844.84 to £6,200.06
(resulting in a total increase of £17,753)
Remove the current tax-free status
of the first £633 from the basic allowance. (no financial
impact to the Council)
That the roles of Chair of Scrutiny
Committees, Chair of Planning Committee and the Principal
Opposition Leader be enhanced to 100% of the Basic Allowance
(resulting a total increase of £8,956)
That the roles of Political Group
Leaders be introduced at Tier 6 but that this would only be payable
if they were not undertaking another SRA role (resulting a maximum
increase of £8,184.08 for the 4 groups but in 24/25 would be
nil)
That the current percentages to the
Tier system be updated to demonstrate clarity and
transparency.
Delegate authority to the Joint
Strategic Director Legal & Governance and the Strategic
Director Finance & Resources, in consultation with the Leader
of the Council, to finalise the scheme position in relation to
Dependent’ Carers’ Allowance, ensuring compliance with
the best value duty and all other relevant legal obligations placed
upon the Council.
That co-optees to the Council receive 5% of the Basic
Allowance for their duties (an increase of £620).
Tthe
revised table in 11.2 (circulated).