Decision details

1.1 That the Cabinet recommend to Full Council that the current scheme of members’ allowances be made as the scheme to apply from 1 April 2024.

1.2 That officers be requested to make the necessary arrangements for a meeting of the Independent Remuneration Panel in Autumn this year, to review and make recommendations on the Council’s Members’ Allowances Scheme in the light of 12 months’ operation under the new 48 Member Council structure.

KEY DECISION:

No

PORTFOLIO:

N/A

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Service Manager, Democratic and Support Services introduced the report for the Members' Allowances Scheme to apply from 1 April 2024. It was explained that the current scheme was adopted in July 2022 following a review by the Independent Remuneration Panel. The scheme remains unchanged. If there is an employee’s national pay award for 2024/2025 agreed it will, under the terms of the Scheme, be back dated to April 1, 2024.

Arrangements were approved for two reviews of the Council’s Members’ Allowances scheme: during 2022/23 and from 2024 onwards.

The second review, taking place in Autumn 2024, will reflect on the commencement of the new 48 Member Council structure and associated governance arrangements following the local election in 2023.