URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1901

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To consider whether or not to convene the IRP to consider Member Allowances for the remainder of the current administration, in light of LGR and budget constraints

Content: In accordance with the Members Allowances Regulations 2003, before the Council could make any amendments to its allowance scheme, the Council had to have regard to the recommendations made by an Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).  In February 2025, the Council set its allowances to apply for the current civic year 2025-26 and agreed a 3% increase to the Basic Allowance (BA) and all Special Responsibility Allowances which was in line with the staff pay award.   In 2024-25, it was agreed by Council that the IRP would meet annually until Autumn 2026 to review the BA and consider any increase.  If the IRP did not meet, the current allowances would continue, without any annual uplift, representing a budget saving.  It was noted that the Members’ Allowances currently paid at Rother were not out of keeping in comparison with neighbouring East Sussex district and borough councils and varied by only £200-£300.    Members were acutely aware of the Council’s challenging financial position and having consulted with all Group Leaders / Deputies on this matter, it was a shared view that there should be no increase on the current Members’ Allowances for the remainder of the life of Rother District Council (RDC), for Members to directly contribute to budget savings.  It was therefore proposed that the IRP was not convened, and the current Members’ Allowances remain in place until May 2027 or the demise of RDC, whichever was the later, as a result of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).  It was noted that should LGR not proceed or be significantly delayed beyond 2028, the Chief Executive would convene an IRP to review the Members’ Allowances at that time.    RESOLVED: That:   1)     the Independent Remuneration Panel not be convened and the current 2025/26 Members’ Allowances remain as the allowances, with no annual increase for the remainder of the current administration (May 2027) or until the demise of Rother District Council, subject to Local Government Reorganisation, whichever was the later; and   2)     should it become clear that the Local Government Reorganisation not proceed or is significantly delayed beyond 2028, the Chief Executive will convene an Independent Remuneration Panel to review the Members’ Allowances. 

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025