Agenda item

Charter Trustees for the City of Durham considered a report of the Treasurer which updated upon the impact of the Charter Trustees Budget of the revised arrangements for the Mayor of the City of Durham and Chairman of the County Council (for copy see file of minutes).

The Treasurer proceeded to highlight the key areas of the budget which were impacted upon by the new arrangements. It was reported that the savings made from the new arrangements, would set the Charter Trust up to reduce its costs by circa 50% in 2014/15.

Trustees also welcomed the decision taken by the Mayor and Deputy to not accept allowances for their roles, however it was noted that they would be entitled to claim for out of pocket expenses.

Councillor Martin raised a query regarding town hall costs and office charges at County Hall for the Mayor’s Secretary. The Treasurer advised that at this current time there was no charge being passed to the Charter Trust for the use of office space in County Hall. Councillor Martin asked for further clarification regarding this issue as he did not feel it was appropriate for the county tax payer to be subsiding the Charter Trustees, and felt it may damage the reputation of the Trust.

Some Trustees however were of the opinion that the Trust would not wish to incur further costs and welcomed the assistance from Durham County Council and queried what the alternative option would be. The Treasurer agreed to investigate this further and report back to a future meeting.

Resolved:

That the new financial arrangements be approved by the Charter Trust.