Issue - meetings

The Chairman again welcomed Mr Richard Quirk, Chairman of the Independent Remuneration Panel to the meeting and invited him to introduce the report.

Mr Quirk outlined the process that had been undertaken to produce the recommendations set out in the report.  Consultation had taken place with Members and thanks were expressed to those that had responded, noting the response rate had again been low.

Mr Quirk also outlined the factors which had been taken into account, summarised in paragraph 1.2 of the report by the Panel in reaching its recommendations.

Mr Quirk explained his rationale for having included options this time and highlighted to Members the issue the Panel had specifically been asked to look at Section 2 of the report.

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Acknowledging that Members had rejected their increases in some previous years and whilst also recognising the reasons for this, Members were reminded of the importance of keeping remuneration at a level to avoid a one-off large increase should remuneration fall below comparable rates. Remuneration was there to ensure no one was prevented from being a Councillor due to out-of-pocket expenses.

Debate ensued and one of those Councillors affected by recommendation 1(a) and who currently shared an allowance, indicated he felt it appropriate the allowance was shared and could not support the proposal.  He provided the chamber with a brief reasoning as to why additional positions had been created but did not believe they needed an allowance each. 

Other Members were also supportive of keeping the sharing arrangement and did not believe the Committees affected needed two fully remunerated Vice-Chairmen.

With there being no appetite for recommendation 1 (a), and no one willing to propose or second the content, the status quo and sharing of the allowance would remain.

General discussion ensued with Members generally being of the view that they should have no role in the setting of their allowances, but acknowledged it was a legislative requirement.  However, it was acknowledged that needing to be able to attract and retain a diverse set of Councillors was important.

Option 2 (a), a proposed increase of 5% on the basic allowance, throughout the course of the debate appeared to be the more palatable and was ultimately moved and seconded.

On being put to the vote it was: -

RESOLVED that Option 2(a), An increase of 5% to the individual Basic Allowance, be supported and the new rates for the Civic Year 2024/2025 as detailed in the attached Appendix, be approved.

Note:   The Vice-Chairmen of Governance & Audit Committee, and Overview & Scrutiny Committee would continue to share the Special Responsibility Allowance for the role.

The Remuneration Panel were thanked for their work by Members across the Chamber and across the political parties. 

Mr Quirk in turn thanked Members and the Officers of the Council who supported the Remuneration Panel’s work.