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MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

STANDARDS COMMITTEE

30 NOVEMBER 2011

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF DEMOCRATIC SERVICES

Report prepared by Janet Barnes 

1.           MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES SCHEME

1.1        Issue for Decision

1.1.1   To consider the recommendations set out in the report of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel on Members Allowances for Maidstone Borough Council (attached as Appendix A).

1.2        Recommendation of the Head of Democratic Services

1.2.1   That the recommendations of the Joint 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 Joint 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. 

1.3.2   A copy of the current Members’ Allowances Scheme is attached at Appendix B.

1.3.3   The recommendation of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel to reduce the Special Responsibility Allowance for Scrutiny Chairmen, if agreed, will produce a saving to the Members Allowances budget of £3,498.

1.3.4   The recommendation to increase the mileage allowance from 40p to 45p per mile with immediate effect, if agreed, will not have a significant impact and can be met within existing budgets.

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

1.4.1   The comments of the Committee to the recommendations of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel are sought and these could reflect a different approach to the Panel.

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

1.5.1   None.

1.6        Risk Management

1.6.1   Not relevant to the decision being made.

1.7        Other Implications

1.7.1    

1.7.2   Financial

The recommendations made by the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel, if agreed, will result in a budget saving of £3,498

1.8        Relevant Documents

1.8.1   Appendices

Appendix A – Report of the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel

          Appendix B – Current Members’ Allowances Scheme

1.8.2   Background Documents

None

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT? X     Yes                                               No     If yes, when did it first appear in the Forward Plan?   ..     This is a Key Decision because: ..   .       Wards/Parishes affected: ..   ..