Issue - meetings

This report recommends that the Scheme of Member’s Allowances remains unchanged for the year 2023/24 pending consideration of any recommendations from the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel.

The report of the Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive recommended that the Scheme of Member’s Allowances remained unchanged for 2023/24 pending consideration of any proposals from the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel (JIRP).

Members were reminded that the Borough Council could not adopt a revised Scheme without first considering recommendations from an independent remuneration panel.  In August 2022 the Brough Council had appointed a new Panel, jointly with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Sevenoaks District Council, to provide recommendations in relation to Member’s Allowances.  It was anticipated that the Panel would be in a position to provide recommendations by January 2023.  Unfortunately, this would not allow sufficient time for Members to consider these recommendations and formulate proposals in time for budget setting for 2023/24.

In addition, following local elections in May 2023, the composition of the Borough Council would change from a cohort of 54 members to 44.  Consequently, each Member would have a greater number of constituents and the Panel recommendations should take this into account.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the Scheme of Allowances for the 2023/24 municipal year remain unchanged from the current Scheme for 2022/23; and

(2)             the Scheme of Allowances for 2023/24 be reviewed during the 2023/24 municipal year upon receipt of the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel.