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THE MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
STANDARDS COMMITTEE
25 NOVEMBER 2009
REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER
Report Prepared by Janet Barnes
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL ON MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES
1.1 To consider the recommendations set out in the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members Allowances for Maidstone Borough Council (attached as Appendix A).
1.2 Recommendation of the Democratic
Services Manager
1.2.1 That the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel be considered and that the Standards Committee refer the recommendations with their comments to Council.
1.3 Reasons for Recommendation
1.3.1 The report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members Allowances is attached at Appendix A. In accordance with the requirements set out in the Local Government Act 2000 and subsequent Regulations, the Council is obliged to give consideration to the recommendations of the Panel.
1.4 Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended
1.4.1 The comments of the Committee to the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel are sought and these could reflect a different approach to the Panel.
1.5 Other Implications
Financial
Staffing x
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Legal
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Social Inclusion
Environmental/sustainable development
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Community safety
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Human Rights Act
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Procurement
1.5.1 Financial
The financial implications arising from the recommendation to award a Special Responsibility Allowance for the Chairman of the Local Development Document Advisory Group (“LDDAG”) of £1,160 per annum are set out in Appendix B.
As will be seen from Appendix B, currently not all allowances are paid and this will result in a small surplus in the budget for this financial year although if all allowances were paid there would a deficit. In this municipal year the Chairman of LDDAG is also the Chairman of Planning and would, therefore, not be entitled to claim a second Special Responsibility Allowance.
It should also be noted that the Standards Committee agreed to increase the number of Independent Members on the Committee and this will result in an extra allowance being paid for that member.
However, there is the possibility that in future years all allowances are claimed and this would result in a budget shortfall.
1.6 Risk Management
Not relevant to the decision being made.
Background Documents
None.