Decision

URL: https://committees.exeter.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2525

Decision Maker: Executive, Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ Allowances 2025/26

Content: Agreed:   RECOMMENDED to Council that:-   (1)  the basic structure and principles of the current Members’ Allowances scheme be retained for 2025/26; (2)  the principle that any Member qualifying for more than one Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) is paid the higher allowance only, be retained; (3)  the Councillors’ Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances including the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor’s Expenses Allowances, continue to be linked and updated in line with the national pay awards applied to staff (under the Green Book arrangements) for the previous year, (a lump sum payment of £1,290 was agreed for the period 2024/25 effective from April 2024). As this was a lump sum rather than a percentage increase across the board the Panel considered that it was appropriate to use the median percentage pay increase for Exeter City Council staff of 4% as a benchmark for the Basic Councillor Allowance; (4)  the principle that Special Responsibility Allowances be paid to no more than 50% of the overall number of Councillors continue to be kept under review and adhered to where possible; (5)  the current Dependants’ Carers’ Allowance scheme be maintained, with the continuation of the level of allowance matching the hourly Living Wage as applicable from April of each year. In the case of Members who need specialist care for a child or adult dependant, a higher rate, of up to £25 per hour or part thereof, can be agreed by negotiation in advance with the Democratic Services Manager; (6)  the sum of £50 be paid to the Independent Persons affiliated to the Audit and Governance Committee for up to four hours work, and £100 for four hours and over, payable to each of the two Independent Persons (up to a maximum of £500 per person in any one year) be retained; and (7)  travel and subsistence allowances available for staff continue to apply to Exeter City Councillors, where appropriate.   Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.  

Date of Decision: December 3, 2024