Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance presenting recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) on Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA) for review and approval. 

Members had previously requested that current SRAs were received to ensure they were fairly applied and consistent with other Local Authorities.  It was noted that the IRP had met on 17 February 2023 to review the data and as a result had provided a number of recommendations (set out in Appendix 1 to the report).  The Appendix also provided details of the IRP findings and decisions governing the suggested amendments.

Councillor W Stamp advised she did not agree with the proposed reduction to the SRA paid to the role of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (O&S) Chairman.  She proposed that none of the changes be agreed.  This was duly seconded. 

A debate ensued.  Councillor R H Siddall proposed that the Vice-Chairman of O&S should receive an allowance of 25% to reflect the importance of this role.  Councillor M E Thompson proposed that the allowance for the Vice-Chairman of the Council be increased to 25% given the work undertaken by this role.  These proposals were not seconded.  In response to a question regarding the District Planning Committee being a Committee of the Council, not the Council sitting and should therefore have its own Chairman and appropriate allowance, the Chairman advised that he would adjourn the meeting to allow Officers to check the Terms of Reference.