Agenda item

The Chief Executive submitted a report (previously circulated) which set out recommendations to Council regarding the Members' Allowances Scheme, having regard to the review of those allowances carried out by the Council's Independent Remuneration Panel.

Councillor Mrs Cowling moved and Councillor Arnold seconded the recommendations in the report.

Councillor Mrs Cowling moved and Councillor Mrs Frank seconded the following amendment:

Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was carried.

Recorded Vote

For

Councillors Acomb, Arnold, Bailey, Collinson, Mrs Cowling, Cussons, Mrs Frank, Fraser, Mrs Goodrick, Hawkins, Hicks, Hope, Ives, Maud, Raper, Wainwright and Windress.

Against

Councillors Joy Andrews, Paul Andrews, Mrs Burr, Clark, Mrs Keal, Richardson, Mrs Shields, Walker, Ward and Woodward.

Abstentions

None.

Councillor Clark then moved and Councillor Woodward seconded a further amendment, as follows:

            Delete – allowance of Deputy Leader of £530.45

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Voting Record

10 votes for

16 votes against

1 abstention

Upon being put to the vote, the substantive motion was then carried.

Resolved 

That the following changes to the Scheme of Members' Allowances be approved:  

1.    The basic allowance of £3,551.64 be increased annually for the next four years effective 15 May 2014 and then each 1 April by reference to the annual percentage award to officers under the National Joint Council for Local Government Services for spinal column 34;

2.    That the current system where Councillors can receive more than one special responsibility allowance be retained;

3.    That the following Special Responsibility Allowances be paid:

4.    That all allowances should include an annual increase in line with the indexation provisions of the scheme of Members Allowances for 2014/15;

5.    That some type of system be introduced to ensure that special responsibility allowances are reviewed when changes in committee structure/responsibility occurred;

6. That if Councillor meetings include members from more than one political group, they should become eligible for the payment of travel expenses. 

Voting Record

15 votes for

9 votes against

1 abstention