The General Purposes Committee of Croydon Council met on Monday, 19 February 2024, to discuss the Council's Pay Policy Statement for 2024-25, amendments to polling stations for upcoming elections, and the scheme for members' allowances. The committee agreed to recommend the Pay Policy Statement to Full Council for adoption, noted changes to polling station locations, and decided to implement no increase to members' allowances for 2023-24, while agreeing to a scheme for 2024-25 and a future review.

Croydon Pay Policy Statement 2024-25

The committee agreed to recommend Croydon Council's Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2024-25 to Full Council for adoption. This statement outlines the remuneration of senior staff, designated Chief Officers, and the lowest-paid employees, as well as the relationship between their pay.

Key points discussed included:

• The Appointments and Disciplinary Committee (ADC) had agreed on 15 February 2024 to link the post of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service to the National JNC Chief Executives Pay Review. This means the Chief Executive's salary will be subject to the annual pay review, with an agreed 3.5% JNC Chief Executive's pay award for 2023/24, resulting in a salary of £199,210 effective from 1 April 2023.
• The ADC is responsible for approving pay of £100,000 or more for new chief officer and deputy chief officer posts.
• The Pay Statement had been benchmarked against other London boroughs to ensure affordability and competitiveness. The Chair of the Improvement Assurance Panel (IAP) was consulted and provided no adverse feedback.
• Pay below director level or £100,000 is delegated to the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, while pay above £100,000 requires approval from the Council's Appointments and Disciplinary Committee.

The committee also noted that the Market Supplement Policy and Procedure is under review.

Amendments to Polling Stations for 2 May 2024 Elections

The committee noted changes to polling station locations for the Greater London Authority (GLA) elections on 2 May 2024. These changes were necessary because some previously designated polling places were unavailable or unsuitable.

The following polling stations have been changed:

• Bensham Manor (BMR5): Ecclesbourne Primary School is unavailable; Queen's Community Hall will be used.
• New Addington North (NAN3): Temporary polling stations in a car park are unsuitable due to changes in the Elections Act 2022; Goldcrest Community Centre will be used.
• Selhurst (SEL4): Whitehorse Resource Base is no longer available; West Croydon Baptist Church will be used.
• Shirley North (SHN1): Oasis Academy Primary School is unavailable; Woodside Baptist Church Hall will be used.
• Thornton Heath (TNH7): Spurgeons College is unavailable; Waterside Centre will be used.
• Waddon (WDN3): Temporary polling stations are unsuitable; Waddon Leisure Centre will be used.
• Woodside (WDS6): The Robert Fitzroy Academy is unavailable; Woodside Christian Centre will be used.

Officers explained that schools are being avoided as polling places due to potential disruption to students, teachers, and parents. The committee was also informed that arrangements are in place for a joint count for Croydon and Sutton at the Excel Centre in East London, should the GLA elections be combined with a general election. A full statutory review of polling districts and places will be conducted after the May elections.

Members' Allowances Uplift 2023-24 and Scheme of Members' Allowances 2024-25

The committee discussed the proposed uplift for members' allowances and the scheme for 2024-25. While some members felt that an inflation-linked increase was necessary to avoid compounding future issues and to encourage participation in public service, others expressed concerns about the affordability of a 3.88% increase given the Council's financial situation and the cost of living crisis affecting residents.

Ultimately, the committee agreed that there was not broad support for the proposed 3.88% increase for 2023-24. Therefore, the committee resolved to:

• Give due consideration to the Independent Panel Report on the Remuneration of Councillors in London.
• Agree that no increase be applied to the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2023/24.
• Agree the Members' Allowances Scheme for 2024/25 and recommend it to Full Council for adoption.
• Authorise the Director of Legal Services to publicise the 2024/25 scheme and make necessary updates to the Constitution.
• Undertake a review of the Members' Allowances Scheme in 2024, with the aim of presenting findings to the committee in November 2024.