Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations to revise the Members Allowance Scheme 2026/27 were approved.
summary: The decision at stake is the amendment of the Members Allowances Scheme 2026/27 following the decision of Annual Council.
topline: The Council has decided to approve the recommendations to revise the Members Allowance Scheme 2026/27.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves financial allowances for council members, which can be a sensitive topic for taxpayers and local residents.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council members", "Taxpayers", "Local residents"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are mentions of councillors voting for and against the motion, indicating potential political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.westlancs.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=618
Decision Maker: Council
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Law & Governance, as contained on pages 465 to 470 of the Book of Reports, which sought to amend the Members Allowances Scheme 2026/27 following the decision of Annual Council held on 20th May 2026. A copy of the minute of the Independent Remuneration Panel and a copy of the current Leader, Deputy Leader and Assistant Leader roles, with suggested amendments from the IRP had been circulated. A Motion to move the recommendations in the report was moved and seconded. At the request of a Member, voting was recorded as follows: FOR: Councillors Bailey, Berry, Blundell, Crompton, Eccles, de Freitas, Furey, Goodier, Gordon, Hesketh, Howard, Hughes, Ingman, Johnson, Juckes, Mee, Owens, Riding, Rigby, Webster, Westley, Whittington and Whitter (TWENTY THREE) AGAINST: Councillors Abbott, Adridge, Anderson, Body, Burnside, Coughlan, Fennell, Fillis, Gagen, Hennessy, Jones, Lawton, Lee, Oakes, Parlour, Urquhart and Worthington. (SEVENTEEN) ABSTENTIONS: Councillor Finch (ONE) The Motion was CARRIED. RESOLVED: A. That, taking into consideration the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, detailed in paragraph 5 of the report and Appendix 2, the Members Allowance Scheme 2026/27 be revised in accordance with Appendix 1 to the report, to incorporate the following Special Responsibility Allowances: (a) Assistant Leader Allowance (x2) - £4,950 (b) Chairperson of Communities & Environment Committee - £4,950 (c) Chairperson of Local Plan Committee - £4,950. And that these take affect from 21 May 2026. B. That the Director of Law & Governance update the Members’ Allowances Scheme and the Leader, Deputy Leader and Assistant Leader role profiles, as set out in the Appendices to the report, include in the Constitution and subsequently publish.
Date of Decision: July 15, 2026