Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the outcome of the Independent Remuneration Panel’s 2010 review of Cheshire East Council’s Scheme of Members’ Allowances.     

The Committee considered a report on the outcome of the Independent Remuneration Panel’s 2010 review of Cheshire East Council’s Scheme of Members’ Allowances.     

To inform its review, the Panel had commissioned an online survey of Councillors which was conducted throughout November 2010. The Panel had also been provided with data from 17 Member Allowances Schemes from North West and comparator authorities. 

During its review, the Panel had been requested to consider a proposal that there should be one flat-rate mileage allowance of 40p per mile payable to Council Members whilst undertaking Council business. The Panel had considered the request but had concluded that no recommendations on mileage allowances should be made separately from the Panel’s review of the Scheme as a whole. This was noted by the Committee at its meeting on 15^th December 2010.

The report before the Committee set out the Panel’s conclusions and recommendations on all aspects of the Council’s Member Allowances Scheme.

Having discussed the report with the Officers and following clarification on a number of issues relating to travel allowances, special responsibility allowances for vice-chairmen and a proposed attendance allowance for School Appeals Panel members, the Committee felt that there would be merit in the Panel being invited to meet the Council’s political leaders and Group Whips with a view to discussing further the Panel’s recommendations.

RESOLVED

That the Independent Remuneration Panel be thanked for its report which is noted, and the Panel be invited to meet the Council’s political leaders and Group Whips to discuss the recommendations in the report.