Issue - meetings

To consider the Members’ Scheme of Allowances 2021-22 report.

To consider the Members’ Scheme of Allowances 2021-22 report.

Diane Drury, the Chair of the IRP, presented the report outlining the proposals for the Members’ Scheme of Allowances 2021-22.

Ms Drury said the IRP’s deliberations had been focused on the impact of Covid-19 on the Council and the wider community. Specifically, the Panel had been mindful of the economic impact; with unemployment on the rise, and the public sector pay freeze, the Panel felt it was right that councillors demonstrate solidarity and therefore a freeze in Members’ Allowances had been recommended to Council. She said it was very important to note that there were positives of the past year, and praised Members for rising to the challenge of a remote decision making process. Furthermore, virtual meetings had provided greater inclusivity, for both the public and members, and had cut costs in terms of travel. Looking forward, she said that in future years there would be a need to review the Opposition Leaders’ allowance. She concluded that in next year’s review she hoped for more extensive dialogue with Members.

The Leader thanked the Panel and proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Councillor Lees seconded the recommendation and highlighted the fact that Cabinet Members took a voluntary reduction in their allowance, to accommodate the greater number of members within Cabinet.

Councillors Sell and Oliver expressed support for the proposal.

RESOLVED to adopt the recommended scheme of allowances for the year 2021/22 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, effectively retaining the current level of basic allowance and all existing special responsibility allowances (SRAs).