Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Agenda Item No. 6

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Democratic Services Committee: 18th April, 2018

 

Report of the Head of Democratic Services

 

Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) Draft Annual Report 2018/19

 

Purpose of the Report

  1. To apprise Members of the IRPW's determinations as set out in its Annual Report 2018/19.

Recommendation

That the IRPW determinations be noted.

Reason for the Recommendation

To apprise Members.

Background

  1. The draft IRPW Annual Report 2018/19 was reported to the Committee on 18th October, 2017.  As indicated at the time, the IRPW consulted on the draft Annual Report and any responses submitted from consultees were then considered prior to the production of the final Annual Report in February 2018.

Relevant Issues and Options

  1. The full draft Annual Report can be found at [http://gov.wales/irpwsub/home/publication-reports/58592459/?skip=1&lang=en

For ease of reference,  the IRPW's determinations are attached as Appendix A.  The following draft Panel determination previously reported has, indeed, been included in the final Annual Report:

  • an increase of £200 in the Basic Salary to £13,600.  No increase for Senior Salaries, but all postholders will be entitled to the increase in the Basic Salary element (Determination 1).
  1. The Panel in its draft Annual report expressed the view that "there are still major issues to be addressed with Community and Town Councils" which it will be raising with individual Councils and their representative organisations.  However, as a start to this process Town and Community Councils have been grouped according to level of income or expenditure.  Mandatory payments to senior Members in those Councils in the highest group are now in place. (Determination 45);
  2. Determinations 44, 46, 51 and 52 (which relate to Town and Community Councils) also include different provisions to those currently applying.
  3. The Council's Members' Allowances Scheme (as contained in the Constitution) reflects the fact that the Councillors resolve to abide by the determinations of the IRPW as set out in its Annual Report each year. 
  4. All Members have been informed of the IRPW's determination that an increase of £200 be made in the Basic Salary to £13,600.  Members have been asked to indicate by 20th April, 2018 whether they wish to forego any, or all, of the increase. 

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

  1. In the event the proposed increase of £200 on the Basic Salary is incorporated within the final IRPW Annual Report, the overall cost of Members' Allowances within the Council would rise by £9,400 (should all Members accept the increase).

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

  1. There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

  1. There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Crime and Disorder Implications

  1. There are no direct implications arising from this report.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

  1. All Members will be entitled to receive any increase in the Basic Salary.

Corporate/Service Objectives

  1. The Council is committed to providing the best possible support to elected Members.

Policy Framework and Budget

  1. As indicated above, the Council has resolved to abide by the determinations of the IRPW as set out in its Annual Report each year.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

  1. This is an internal matter and consultation is, therefore, not necessary.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

  1. Corporate Performance and Resources.

Background Papers

Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales draft Annual Report 2018/19.

Contact Officer

Jeff Wyatt, Head of Democratic Services, 01446 709408; jrwyatt@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Officers Consulted

Managing Director

Head of Legal Services

Head of Finance.

Responsible Officer:

Jeff Wyatt, Head of Democratic Services