The publication of the Annual Salary Statement is a statutory requirement under Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011. If Council does not approve the Salary Statement then the Council will be in breach of the legislation.

Under the current Pensions Regulations, Torbay Council is able to exercise a range of discretions in regard to how the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is applied to its employees who are members of the Scheme. The Employers Pensions Discretions must be reviewed and approved by Council annually in line with Local Government Pension Scheme regulations.

That Council be recommended:

1.         that the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 as set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report is approved; and

2.         that the Employers Pensions Discretions as set out at Appendix 2 to the submitted report is approved.

To ensure that the Council is compliant with Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 by the approval of the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 and that the Employers Pensions Discretions be reviewed and approved by the Council annually in line with the LGPS regulations.

There were no alternative options considered.

The decisions above will be considered at the Council meeting on 26 February 2026.

Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 requires English and Welsh Authorities to produce a pay policy statement for each financial year. The pay policy statement draws together the Council’s overarching policies on pay and conditions and will be published on the Councils Website.

Furthermore, under the current Pensions Regulations, Torbay Council is able to exercise a range of discretions in regard to how the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is applied to its employees who are members of the Scheme.

At the Cabinet meeting, Councillor Jackie Thomas proposed and Councillor Tyerman seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously, as set out above.

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