Decision details

The Council had before it a report of the Management and Members’ Support Manager, which informed Members that the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) had recently undertaken a review of Members’ Allowances for a scheme commencing 1 May 2017 and that the Panel’s recommendations had been published in the local press in accordance with legislation.

Council was advised that it must now have regard to the recommendations of the IRP in determining a Scheme of Allowances for 2017/18. The Council could depart from the IRP’s recommendations provided it could demonstrate good reasons for doing so, having taken all relevant matters into account.

Council recalled that it had last agreed a Scheme of Allowances on 26 April 2016 which had had effect from 1 May 2016. It was reported that the latest review proposed an across the board 1% inflationary increase and a modest increase for Cabinet Members.

The Leader of the Council thanked the members of the IRP for their work and due diligence in conducting their review of Members’ Allowances.

It was moved by Councillor Stock and seconded by Councillor G V Guglielmi that -

(a)  the allowances recommended by the IRP, as set out in its report to the Council (Appendix A to item A.2 of the Report of the Management and Members’ Support Manager) be approved.

Councillor Stephenson then moved, and Councillor I J Henderson seconded, the following amendment –

“In the light of the residents facing rising council tax bills and unprecedented cutbacks in public services we, the councillors of Tendring, feel it would be inappropriate to accept the IRP’s recommendations for 2017/18 and propose that we maintain the remuneration from 2016/17.”

Following the receipt of advice from the Chief Executive and the Monitoring Officer, Councillors Stephenson and Henderson agreed to withdraw their amendment.

Councillor Porter then moved and Councillor Cawthron seconded that all Members’ Allowances should be abolished. The Monitoring Officer advised Council that this amendment could not be allowed to proceed, as the proposal negated the motion, which was not permitted in accordance with the Council Procedure Rules. The proposal being put forward by Councillor Porter could not be considered until such time as Council had decided whether to approve the allowances recommended by the IRP.

Councillors Davis, Stephenson, Porter, Bray, Heaney, I J Henderson, Steady, Parsons, Scott, G V Guglielmi and Calver addressed Council during the debate on Councillor Stock’s motion.

Councillor Parsons asked that, in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 19.4, a record of the vote on Councillor Stock’s motion be taken.

Accordingly, the result of that vote was as follows:

Councillor Stock’s motion was thereupon declared CARRIED.

It was then moved by Councillor Stock, seconded by Councillor Turner and -

RESOLVED that -

(b)       the IRP undertakes a further review for 2018/19 and makes recommendations to Annual Council in April 2018;

(c)       the Scheme of Members’ Allowances in Part 7 of the Constitution be amended to reflect the agreed allowances and expenses; and

(d)       Members who do not wish to take the increase in their Allowances or any Allowances at all are free to do so.