Decision details

To agree the terms of reference of a review.

The committee received a report from the Democratic Services Manager regarding the review of the Member Allowances Scheme.

In response to members’ questions the Chief Executive summarised the amendments Members requested to the Panel’s Terms of Reference in paragraph 3.7 to the Officer recommendation 2.1) (additional text underlined):

 To recommend a scheme or schemes to the Council which-

i.             recognises that councillors undertake council work for the sake of public service and not private gain

ii.            recognises in both basic and special responsibility allowances the varying demands placed upon councillors, dependent upon their roles and responsibilities

iii.           fairly and equitably compensates councillors, so far as the Panel thinks appropriate, for the time and effort they can reasonably be expected to devote to their work as a councillor

iv.          is economic, efficient to administer and effective

v.           is easy to understand and explain

vi.          recognises the level of out of pocket expenses councillors incur

vii.         has flexibility to reflect changes of responsibilities of councillors during the course of the year

viii.       ensures that a benchmarking exercise is undertaken with other comparable Councils. 

ix.          ensures that equality and diversity implications are considered so that a diverse range of Councillors can be attracted. 

Resolved (unanimously) to:

       i.                Agree the Panel’s Terms of Reference in paragraph 3.7 as amended.

     ii.                Agree the approach to recruiting the Panel as set out in paragraph 3.9