Agenda item - Members Allowances

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance together with a Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (copy attached).

68.1       Councillor Ann Norman formerly moved the report and the recommendations of the Governance Committee, which were detailed in the extract from the meeting, held on the 10^th March and had been circulated as part of the addendum papers.  She noted that the Independent Remuneration Panel was undertaking a full review of allowances and was due to report to the council in 2010.  In the meantime the only change to allowances was the proposed increase to the Basic Allowance in line with the final salary inflation figure, which would be implemented from the day after Annual Council.  She wished to acknowledge the important role of the Panel and to place on record her thanks to the members of the panel for their continued work.

68.2       Councillor Mitchell stated that she wished to add her thanks to the Panel for their work and welcomed what was in effect a freeze on the level of allowances, but hoped that any final decision as to whether or not to accept the increase to the basic allowance would be left to individual Members.

68.3       Councillor Mears stated that she wished to thank the Panel for their work and confirmed that the individual members of the Conservative Group had decided that in view of the current economic climate to decline to take any increase in their basic allowances.

68.4       Councillor Taylor referred to the extract from the minutes of the Governance Committee and stated that he felt the recommendations took account of the concerns raised.  He noted that the level of allowances recommended by the Panel already incorporated a public service discount of 40% and that whilst the actual level of increase was small; there were some Members who would benefit from taking it because of their own financial circumstances.

68.5       Councillor Elgood stated that he had noted the recommendations of the Governance Committee and having consulted with his colleague, they would not be taking the increase in the basic allowance for this year in view of the economic situation faced by residents.

68.6       Councillor Bennett stated that she supported the comments of other Members and noted that the level of increase would be a lot of money to somebody who was currently unemployed.

68.7       Councillor Randall stated that he felt it was important for individual Members to be able to decide whether or not take the increase, as each person would have differing circumstances which they would need to take into account.  He also noted that a number of other Members were also in receipt of a Special Responsibility Allowance and therefore may find it easier on this occasion not to accept the increase in the basic allowance.

68.8       Councillor Norman noted the comments and stated that the decision to accept the proposed increase had to be for each individual Member and therefore moved the recommendations of the Governance Committee.

68.9       The Mayor noted that the recommendations had been moved and sought confirmation from the council.

68.10    RESOLVED –

(1)  That the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, as set out in its report be noted;

(2)  That in accordance with the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel as agreed by Council in April 2008, the level of Basic Allowance be increased by the assumed salary rate of inflation of 2.3% for the municipal year commencing 15 May 2009; subject to individual Members’ rights to accept or decline the increase;

(3)  That the position be reviewed following the receipt of the Independent Remuneration Panel’s report in 2010; and

(4)  That the allowance payable to each of the members of the Independent Remuneration Panel continue to be increased by the council’s salary inflation assumption of 2.3% for 2009 with effect from 15 May 2009, in recognition of their time commitment and their important role.

Refreshment Break

68.11    The Mayor stated that in view of the time and in wishing to give the opportunity for a full debate on the next item, he proposed to adjourn the meeting for a refreshment break.

68.12    The meeting was adjourned at 6.30pm.

68.13    The Mayor then reconvened the meeting at 7.00pm