Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Governance.

Members considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). Ms Janice Wilson, a member of the Panel, presented the report. Mr Colin Everett, the Chairman of the IRP was also in attendance.

Ms Wilson informed Members that the Panel had been asked to consider two issues which had arisen. These were the payment of travel expenses to Members travelling to meetings from outside the district, and the reimbursement of car parking fees incurred by Members. In addition, the Panel had taken the opportunity to review the mileage rates payable, as these had not been considered in any detail in the earlier review of allowances for 2011/12. The report set out the recommendations of the Panel in relation to these issues.

The Mayor suggested that the three issues be taken in turn and Councillors asked Ms Wilson a number of questions relating to the payment of travel expenses to Members travelling to meetings from outside the district.

Councillor Aitchison proposed, seconded by Councillor Dixon:

“That travel expenses be reimbursed from outside the Council’s administrative area to attend a full Council meeting in the event that a Member does not have an address in the district at the time of such a meeting.”

A long debate followed, with particular reference to Councillors who were also University students and went to live in their family homes outside the district during the University summer break.

At the end of the debate the Mayor called for a vote. More Members voted for the proposition than against and the Mayor declared it carried.

The Mayor then asked for questions on the second issue, reimbursement of car parking fees incurred by Members. Ms Wilson responded to several questions from Councillors.

It was then proposed by Councillor Williamson and seconded by Councillor Bryning:

“That the reimbursement of car parking fees remains as it is currently.”

By way of amendment, Councillor Barry proposed an addendum, seconded by Councillor Forrest:

“But that the IRP come up with a scheme that allows flexibility but does not allow Councillors to park when they are not on Council business.”

After a short debate, the Mayor called for a vote on Councillor Barry’s amendment. Few voted for and many against, whereupon the Mayor declared the amendment lost.

A vote was then taken on Councillor Williamson’s original proposition which was clearly carried.

The Mayor then asked for questions on the third issue considered by the IRP, mileage rates.

Ms Wilson and the Head of Governance responded to several questions from Councillors.

Councillor Barry then moved:

“That recommendation 3, as set out in the report of the IRP, be approved”.

Councillor Newman-Thompson seconded this motion and there was no further debate. A vote was then taken, which was clearly carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That travel expenses be reimbursed from outside the Council’s administrative area to attend a full Council meeting in the event that a Member does not have an address in the district at the time of such a meeting.

(2)        That the reimbursement of car parking fees remains as it is currently.

(3)        That mileage be reimbursed on the basis of the HMRC recommended rates, currently 45p per mile for motor cars, 24p per mile for motor cycles and 20p per mile for bicycles, and that mileage be paid in respect of journeys within the Council’s administrative area, and that for journeys outside that area, the lower of the mileage allowance or the relevant standard class rail fare be paid.

The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 5.05pm. The meeting reconvened at 5.17pm.