Agenda item

The Council considered a report of the Corporate Director, Resources regarding the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Members’ Remuneration and Allowances for 2014/15 following the settlement of the 2014/15 pay award for employees with effect from 1 January 2015 (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor Henig informed the Council that the Labour Group considered it was not an appropriate time to consider an increase in Members’ Remuneration and Allowances and Moved approval of Option 1 in the report.  Seconded by Councillor Napier.

Councillor N Martin Moved an amendment that the mileage allowance for Members be reduced from 48p per mile to 45p per mile which would be in line with the Inland Revenue approved mileage payment.  From April 2015 changes were to be introduced which would result in Councillors not paying tax on their travel expenses and therefore negate any reduction in the mileage allowance.  Seconded by Councillor A Hopgood.

Councillor Henig recommended that the amendment be defeated or withdrawn.  The report referred to Remuneration and Allowances for 2014/15 whereas the amendment related to the next financial year, and would be considered before then.

Councillor Martin refused to withdraw his amendment which would have no impact on 2014/15, but would make a statement for the 2015/16 financial year.

Councillor R Bell thanked the Independent Remuneration Panel for their work and supported approval of Option 1.

Councillor Wilkes informed the Council that employees who travelled to work received no allowances and there was a budget proposal to reduce the staff mileage rate to 45p per mile.  If this proposal was approved, and the Members mileage rate remained at 48p per mile, this would result in Members receiving a greater allowance than most County Durham residents and all County Council staff.

The Corporate Director, Resources informed Council that there was a budget proposal to reduce staff mileage rates for 2015/16 from 48p per mile to 45p per mile, but this was subject to consultation with trade unions.  Councillor Henig added that the current staff mileage allowance was 48p per mile for 2014/15.

Upon a vote being taken the amendment was Lost.

Upon a further vote being taken it was:

Resolved:

That no changes be made to the Members Allowance Scheme for 2014/15.