The Council operates a Members’ Allowances Scheme which is reviewed annually by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). The Members’ Allowance Scheme is Chapter 6 of the Council’s Constitution, the IRP have reviewed the current scheme and have made recommendations for the 2021/22 Municipal Year and is attached in Appendix A.

Following the IRP meeting held on 17th December 2020, the IRP report has recommended to round down current member allowances to the nearest £50. The report also recommends to utilise the savings to introduce a new special responsibility allowance to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for their roles of Charing Ordinary Council.

After a full discussion, Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED the recommendations in the report and by a show of hands, this was MOVED:

1.  That the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel at Appendix A be noted.

2. That the Members Allowances at Appendix B be agreed and delegated authority is given to the Monitoring Officer to amend the constitution.

Reasons for Recommendation

The Local Authorities (members Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 require that before Council can determine its Members Allowances for the forthcoming Municipal Year, it must consider a report from the Independent Remuneration Panel.