Agenda item

The IRPW published its Annual Report in February 2016 and the Committee was required to consider its determinations and recommendations and make recommendations to Council for inclusion with the Councillors’ and Co-opted Members’ Salaries and Allowances Scheme for 2016/17.

The Local Government (Wales) Act 2016 extended the Panel’s remit to include changes to the salaries of Chief Officers of Authorities or Principal Councils.  This part of the Act became effective from the end of January 2016.

In setting the level of salaries and allowances for 2016/17 the IRPW has decided that there will be no increase in remuneration given the continuing constraints on local government spending.  It has, however, introduced two salary levels for Executive Members (except Leaders and Deputy Leaders) and for Chairs of Committees so that each Local Authority can take account of the differences in responsibilities that may be attached to specific posts.  It is at the discretion of each Council which salary level is paid according to local circumstances.  However, the Panel considers that in many instances there are differences in the responsibilities attached to portfolios of Executive Members and Committee Chairs and this should be reflected in the level of salary paid.  The Panel will examine the extent that this flexible approach has been used when they monitor the schedule of remuneration in the autumn.

The Committee’s views were sought on the issue of payments to Executive Members, Chairs of Committees, Civic Heads and Deputies, Subsidence and Accommodation Allowances, Remuneration of Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs and payment of Co-opted Members’ Fees for the 2016/17 municipal year. 

The need for two Deputy Leaders was queried particularly in view of the fact that the Authority is trying to save money.  The Head of Administration & Law agreed to relay the Committee’s comments to the Leader, however, she reminded the Committee that the responsibility for appointing Executive Board Members and Deputy Leaders and for drawing up their portfolios was delegated to the Leader, in accordance with the Council’s constitution. The Head of Democratic Services explained that there was very little difference in the amount paid as the allowance was shared between the two Deputy Leaders.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL

6.1     to note that the IRPW has determined that the basic salary for elected member of principal local authorities shall remain at £13,300 for 2016/17;

6.2     that the status quo remain with regard to the level of senior salary paid to Executive Members for 2016/17;

6.3     that the status quo remain with regard to the level of senior salary paid to Committee Chairs for 2016/17;

6.4     that the status quo remain with regard to the salary paid to the Chair and Vice-Chair of Council for 2016/17;

6.5     that the status quo remain in relation to the rates of reimbursement for subsistence costs for 2016/17 and the current practice of all overnight accommodation for members being arranged through the Democratic Services Unit be continued;

6.6     to continued with the current practice of noting arrangements for Joint Overview Scrutiny Committees with other Authorities and including these Committees within the Council’s scheme in the event the Council decides to establish Joint Committees during the 2016/17 municipal year and to pay a salary;

6.7     that payment of Co-opted Members’ Fees remain capped for 2016/17 at the current level of 10 full day (of 20 half day)meetings;

6.8     to accept the remaining IRPW recommendations and determinations for 2016 and incorporate them within the Council’s existing Councillors’ and Co-opted Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2016/17.