The Governance Lead Officer updated Members on the appointment of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Cheshire East Council and sought approval to its composition and related operational matters.
The Chairman and spokespersons had met on 18 November with four current Independent Remuneration Panelists who had volunteered to join the Cheshire East Panel and a fifth Panelist had subsequently been identified. The Panel would commence its work immediately to meet deadlines for producing a report and recommendations for consideration by this Committee and adoption by the Council.
The Committee then considered the term of office and Chairmanship of the Independent Remuneration Panel together with the payment of travel and out of pocket expenses to the Remuneration Panel Members when carrying out their duties, and whether any further allowance should be paid. There was merit in enabling Panel Members to attend elected Member development events appropriate to their work, as this would assist the Panel’s understanding of elected members’ roles and responsibilities in the new Authority.
Members noted that any views they would wish to make known to the Panel should be raised in the first instance with the Governance Lead Officer who would be providing support to the Panel.
RESOLVED –
1) To approve the appointment of the Cheshire East Independent Remuneration Panel with the following membership:
Mr David Routs (Cheshire Panel)
Mrs Christine Crowe (Crewe and Nantwich Panel)
Mrs Jan Charles (Congleton Panel)
Mr Peter Foden (Congleton Panel)
Professor Michael Burdekin (New Member)
2) The Panel be requested to determine its Chairmanship from within its membership;
3) The period of office for Panel Members be three years;
4) That an allowance of £30 per meeting together with travel and out of pocket expenses be paid to Panel members; and
5) That Panel Members be permitted to attend elected Member Development events appropriate to their work.