Agenda item

To consider proposed arrangements for the new Members Allowances Independent Remuneration Panel.    

The Committee considered proposed arrangements for the new Members Allowances Independent Remuneration Panel.

It was felt that no more than three members needed to be appointed to the Panel and that the term of office should be four years from the date of appointment.  At least one member of the Panel should have experience of the workings of local government. Members also felt that the Chairman of the Panel should have experience of chairing an Independent Remuneration Panel and that this should be referred to in the recruitment advert.

It was suggested that the appointment of the Panel Members, and the appointment of the Chairman of the Panel be made by the Constitution Committee upon the recommendation of the Head of Governance and Democratic Services.

A recent review of the operation of the Independent Remuneration Panel had concluded that there was no necessity for a report of the Panel to be produced on an annual basis and that instead, consideration could be given to making future provision for the Members Allowances Scheme to be adjusted on an annual basis, by reference to an index. Where the only change made to a scheme in any year was that effected by an annual adjustment, the scheme would not be deemed to be amended and would not need to be reviewed and agreed by full Council. An index could be applied for a period of up to four years. This option would need to be considered by the Independent Remuneration Panel.

RESOLVED

That

1.    a Members Allowances Independent Remuneration Panel be established to consist of 3 Members, with a four year term of office;

2.    the Council seek to recruit at least one Panel member with experience of the workings of local government (such as a former local government officer, a person with past experience of being a panel member for another authority, or an individual with particular expertise), with expressions of interest also to be sought from the private and voluntary sector;     

3.    the recruitment advert should include a requirement that the chairman of the panel should have experience of chairing an independent remuneration panel;

4.    appointment of the Panel Members be made by the  Constitution Committee (upon the recommendation of the Head of Governance and Democratic Services);

5.    the Chairman of the Panel be appointed by the Constitution Committee;

6.    the Council establish a robust, streamlined and transparent process for the operation of the Members Allowances Independent Remuneration Panel;

7.    the Panel be asked to give consideration to making future provision for the Members Allowances Scheme to be adjusted on an annual basis, by reference to an index which could be applied for a period of up to four years;

8.    Panel members be recompensed for expenses, as per past practice; and

9.    an allowance be paid to the Chairman of the Panel (on the basis that work load is expected to be no more than 3-4 days, within the four year term of office) at an appropriate rate, to be determined by the Head of Governance and Democratic Services, based upon that paid by comparator local authorities.