Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services seeking to review Members’ Allowances, having regard to the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, attached.

The report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services was submitted concerning a review of Members’ Allowances, having regard to the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (copy of report circulated with agenda and appended to signed minutes).

David Gilani and Kevin Liles, representative members of the Independent Remuneration Panel, were in attendance and with the consent of the Mayor, addressed the meeting.

Councillor Burke, as Chair of the Governance Committee, informed members of the outcome of the Committee’s deliberations and its decision to endorse the Panel’s recommendations.

RESOLVED

(i)  That the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel as set out in the Panel’s report at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved;

(ii)  That the necessary amendment to the Council’s Constitution be approved; and

(iii)  That the members of the Independent Remuneration Panel be thanked for their work in reviewing the Members’ Allowance Scheme.

NOTE: In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, all members declared a pecuniary interest in the above matter and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.

Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services seeking comments on the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ allowances, attached.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services seeking comments on the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel’s report.

The Committee fully endorsed the report by the Independent Remuneration Panel and considered the pro-rata arrangement for Opposition Group Leaders and increase in carers’ allowance to be positive steps for the future.

RESOLVED that a recommendation be made to Council to amend the Members’ Allowance Scheme as set out in the report.