Decision details

Consideration was given to the report of the Acting Chief Executive, as contained on pages 93 to 100 of the Book of Reports, which sought agreement of the Members’ Allowances Scheme for 2025/26 and sought endorsement of the Membership of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

A Motion to move the recommendations in the report, was moved and seconded.

An Amendment, circulated prior to the meeting, to exclude the Lead Members Allowance of £4,950, was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken on the Amendment, which at the request of a Member, was recorded as follows:

FOR:            Councillors: Bailey, Blundell, Eccles, de Freitas, Furey, Gordon, Hesketh, Hogan, Howard, Ingman, Juckes, Lloyd, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Owens, Pope, Rigby, Webster, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter (TWENTY-ONE)

AGAINST:    Councillors: Abbott, Aldridge, Anderson, Burnside, Coughlan, Cummins, Devine, Dowling, Fennell, Fillis, Finch, Fowler, Gagen, N Hennessy, P Hennessy, Lawton, Molloy, Nixon, Owen, Parlour and Pryce-Roberts (TWENTY-ONE)

ABSTENTIONS: NONE

As there was an equality in voting, the Mayor used his casting vote AGAINST the Amendment.

The Amendment was LOST.

A vote was taken on the original Motion.

As there was an equality in voting, the Mayor used his casting vote FOR the Motion.

The Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

A.       That a Members Allowance Scheme be made, effective from 1 April 2025,  incorporating:

(a)  A Basic Allowance of £4,950 (no change)

(b)  Provision for Special Responsibility Allowances, as detailed on the Schedule attached as Appendix 1 (no change)

(c)  Childcare and Dependent Carer’s Allowance to be set at the same level as the 'Real' Living Wage (£12.60 from 1 April 2025).

(d)  A Mayor's Allowance of £4,950 (as approved by full Council on 11 December 2024).

B.       That the Chief Legal & Democratic Services Officer update the Members’ Allowances Scheme for the period commencing 1 April 2025, such scheme to be incorporated into the Constitution and subsequently published.

C.       That the Membership of the IRP for 2025/26 and the respective terms of office be noted and endorsed as follows:

          Mrs G Stanley (Chairman)1 May 2027 

          Mr J Boardman                 1 May 2026

          Mr I Thompson                  1 May 2028