URL: https://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2954

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision Made

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To present to Full Council the conclusions and recommendations of the Joint Independent Renumeration Panel (JIRP) in respect of its review of the current Members’ Allowances Scheme, with any changes to be implemented from April 2025.

Content: To present to Full Council the conclusions and recommendations of the Joint Independent Renumeration Panel (JIRP) in respect of its review of the current Members’ Allowances Scheme, with any changes to be implemented from April 2025. RESOLVED – That Full Council be recommended:   1.  That the report and recommendations of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel (JIRP) at Appendix A be noted.   2. That the recommendations of the JIRP, summarised in section 2, detailed in Appendix A, with the amendments as detailed in section 5.2 of the report (Option C) to be implemented with effect from 1 April 2025 be approved.   3. That the rates set out in the Members’ Allowances Scheme to be indexed annually from 1 April 2026, and that the indexation be linked to the average pay award percentage for Council Officers, with the exception of the SRA for Cabinet Members which will remain frozen until the next JIRP review be approved.   4. That the allowances for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor be increased as recommended at 2.13 of the report with effect from 1 April 2025 be approved.   5. That the Director of Finance, Policy and Development (s151 Officer\) be authorised to make the necessary amendments to the Council’s Members’ Allowances Scheme be approved.   6. That appreciation be given for the work of the JIRP over the past two months in producing its final report and recommendations be noted.   REASON FOR DECISION:  To comply with the requirement to undertake a full review of Member Allowances every four years.

Date of Decision: December 5, 2024