Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance.

1.         To note the review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme be.

2.         That Member Support Working Group be requested to produce information for members, including tips on work / life balance and dealing with social media. This could then be shared on the members portal.

3.         That information about the Dependant carers allowance and expenses and how to claim them to be highlighted via the members portal on a quarterly basis.

4.         That an explanatory note be added to the annual notice moving forward, setting out information about the role of a Councillor, that some members live in rural areas, use public transport or have disabilities meaning they require assistance with travel. The allowance also renumerated for wear and tear on vehicles.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley, presented the report which set out the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel to the Council in relation to Members’ Allowances.

The current Members’ allowance Scheme was agreed in 2021 and the Local Authorities (Members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 state that schemes should be reviewed as a minimum every four years.

33 out of 42 Councillors had completed a survey about the scheme. The overall

impression was that members were content with the scheme.  The Panel had also considered comparative information with other Lancashire authorities and had feedback sessions with the Executive Leader, the Leader of the Opposition and a back bencher.

The Executive Leader, Councillor Alistair Bradley proposed, the Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Wilson seconded, and it was Resolved (unanimously)

1.         To note the review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme be.

2.         That Member Support Working Group be requested to produce information for members, including tips on work / life balance and dealing with social media. This could then be shared on the members portal.

3.         That information about the Dependant carers allowance and expenses and how to claim them to be highlighted via the members portal on a quarterly basis.

4.         That an explanatory note be added to the annual notice moving forward, setting out information about the role of a Councillor, that some members live in rural areas, use public transport or have disabilities meaning they require assistance with travel. The allowance also renumerated for wear and tear on vehicles.