To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 4 January 2023 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 January 2023 as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

To consider any representations made by Councillors.

(Elected Members will be asked to leave once all representations have been heard to allow the Panel to determine it’s recommendations)

No representations were received.

Scope of work for the Panel:

1.    To consider whether the Special Responsibility Allowance be extended to the Armed Forces Champion and Equalities Champion.

2.    That the draft Members’ Allowances Scheme be approved (attached).

3.    That the Independent Remuneration Panel evaluate the Special Responsibility Allowances as part of its work following the election in May 2023.

Considered – an update from the Corporate Services Group Manager & Monitoring Officer and the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer.

Member Champions:

The Panel considered the work of the Member Champions and felt that it was appropriate and fair for all Champions to be paid equally.

The Panel felt that the Equalities Champion role should also include Diversity and Inclusion to ensure it was representative and recommended that the title be amended to ‘Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Champion’ and that the Member Role Profile be amended to reflect all protected characteristics.  

They also recommended that all Member Champions publish an annual report on their work to reflect achievements, progress on objectives and priorities for the ensuing year.

The Panel recommends to Council that the Armed Forces Champion and the Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Champion receive a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA).

Future Work:

The Panel considered its future work following the District and Parish election on 4 May 2023. They felt the future review ought to consider Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA’s) and the number of SRA’s awarded.