Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 4, 2025

Purpose:

Content:   RECOMMENDED:      1)          That the content and recommendations of the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel dated November 2024 be noted.   2)             The Members Allowances for 2025-2026 set out in Table 3 of this report are approved.   3)             That the Members’ Allowance Scheme 2025-2029 attached as Appendix 2 be approved to come into effect on 1 April 2025 for a period of four years, subject to being updated with the Members Allowances approved at recommendation 2 above.   4)             That following the 2025-26 year, indexation be applied to Members Allowances for 3 years in line with the percentage increase to the national joint council for local government pay services pay grades spinal column point 43.   5)             That the Chief Finance Officer be delegated to approve non-material revisions to the Members’ Allowance Scheme, including the levels of allowances to reflect the current figures after indexation has been applied.   Reason for Decision To comply with the requirements of The Local Authorities (Member's Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 and set the allowances for 2025/29.   The Cabinet has had regard for the recommendations of the IRP and is recommending to Council Changes to the recommendations on the items set out in the report, including the reduction of the public service discount (PSD) from 20% to 5% as it was deemed appropriate to have a level of PSD, but not as high as that recommended by the panel.   The Cabinet noted that it is important that some element of the work of members continues to be voluntary, but that in accordance with the issued guidance, this must be balanced against the need to ensure that financial loss is not suffered by elected members, and further to ensure that, despite the input required, people are encouraged to come forward as elected members and that their service to the community is retained. Cabinet considers that a 5% public sector discount is the appropriate balance.