Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

The Leader moved the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Wright, and invited the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources to introduce the report.  

The Strategic Director highlighted the key points of the report making reference to:  

• an increase in allowances of 3.2% based on the officers pay award, which followed the usual convention; and  

• the Independent Remuneration Panel had introduced two new Special Responsibility Allowances, for the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Deputy Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.   

Councillor Read asked if food and drink allowances would be introduced. 

The Strategic Director for Corporate Resources advised that food and drink was being looked into.  

During debate Councillor Palmer informed Members that she felt uncomfortable discussing allowances following the previous item.  

In summing up the Leader advised Members that the rates were set by the Independent Remuneration Panel and followed the staff pay award. He advised that there had been a survey sent out and that Members had had the opportunity to make their thoughts on allowances known.  

Following a vote the recommendations were CARRIED.