Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director People and Communities.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that Executive note:

(1)   the findings of the Gender Pay Gap analysis, including:

a)     the average rate of pay for females remains higher than for males;

b)     the mean gender pay difference has increased from 5.07% to 6.68%;

c)     the median gender pay difference has decreased from 14.03% to 11.85%; and

d)     there are nearly three times more males than females in the lowest earnings quartile.

(2)   that the Council would publish its Gender Pay Gap Report on the Exeter City Council website and on the national gov.uk database; and

(3)   that the report would be reviewed annually to track the relationship between female and male earnings.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive considered the report which outlined the statutory requirement under the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 for local authorities employing more than 250 staff to publish annual gender pay gap information. Particular reference was made to:

·        Exeter City Council demonstrated a strong gender balance, with no structural disadvantage for women, with women earning more than men on both mean and median hourly rates (gender pay gap of - 6.68%);

·        women were well represented in senior roles, particularly in the upper-middle quartile (62.3% women), showing a strong progression pipeline;

·        the lower quartile showed an under representation of women, largely in operational roles such as waste and recycling, reflecting job family composition rather than inequality;

·        Exeter City Council had no bonus payments and a transparent, consistent pay and grading framework, which supported equitable outcomes; and

·        efforts were being made to reduce the gender pay gap, with a focus on removing barriers rather than overcorrection, with the negative gap reflecting workforce composition rather than unfair pay practices.

The Deputy Leader & Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, Community Safety and City Centre noted positively that women in the workforce were encouraged and supported to progress to higher responsibility and pay levels, and this achievement was commended.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor

Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously

RESOLVED that Executive note:

(1)   the findings of the Gender Pay Gap analysis, including:

a)     the average rate of pay for females remains higher than for males;

b)     the mean gender pay difference has increased from 5.07% to 6.68%;

c)     the median gender pay difference has decreased from 14.03% to 11.85%; and

d)     there are nearly three times more males than females in the lowest earnings quartile.

(2)   that the Council would publish its Gender Pay Gap Report on the Exeter City Council website and on the national gov.uk database; and

(3)   that the report would be reviewed annually to track the relationship between female and male earnings.