To consider the report of the Democratic Services Manager  (enclosed)

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL

The Panel noted the concerns of Council regarding the request for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Development Control Committee to keep timesheets, however, it was to enable the Panel to judge the difference between the roles.  The allowance will still be reviewed after 12 months, the Panel will consider evidence at that time and has requested that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman attend that meeting to explain their roles.

The Panel notes the request to consider index-linking the Special Responsibility Allowances, however, would confirm that it had reviewed the Special Responsibility Allowances previously and they were considered to be in line with the other authorities.  The Panel has undertaken to review the Special Responsibility Allowances at the same time as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Development Control Committee and re-consider comparisons with the audit family grouping, and will also establish whether other authorities index-link their Special Responsibility Allowances and take this into consideration at that time.

Considered  - The report fo the Democratic Services Manager relating to the request by Council to reconsider the Special Responsibility Allowances and the requirement placed on the Development Control Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman to produce timesheets.