We are required (under the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) Regulations 2003) to establish and maintain an independent remuneration panel to keep the Members’ Allowances Scheme under review and make recommendations to us regarding the Scheme.

With effect from May 2019 we will have a new system of Governance with the removal of a directly elected Mayor and Executive and the introduction of a Leader a Cabinet model. The primary purpose of the fundamental review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme was to ensure that the Scheme remains relevant to us in the present climate for local government and will reflect the governance arrangements following the local elections on 2 May 2019.

The Councillors (known as ‘members’) receive a basic allowance which helps to cover the cost of being a member (e.g. telephone charges, broadband, all stationery, paper, postage and travel on non-approved duties etc). Some Councillors who have additional responsibility also receive a Special Responsibility Allowance.

In accordance with the above Regulations, we have received a report from an independent remuneration panel containing recommendations in relation to the Council’s Members’ Allowances Scheme. We will consider the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel at its meeting held on 31 January 2019.