NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Democratic Services Committee

14th November 2019

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer (Karen Jones)

Matter for Decision

Wards Affected:

All Wards

Report Title: Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) – Draft Annual Report 20/21

Purpose of the Report:

To advise Members of the remuneration arrangements proposed for councillors of principal councils in Wales for 2020-21.

To seek the view of the Committee regarding a proposed response to the consultation that the IRPW are carrying out on their proposals for 2020-21.

Executive Summary:

There is one proposed change in the draft Annual Report for 2020-21:

The IRPW propose that the basic salary of all councillors in principal councillors be increased by £350 per annum, effective 1st April 2020.

All other elements of the framework remain the same. IRPW are, however, asking that the following arrangements be promoted to all elected members:

The IRPW propose to determine that democratic services committees should ensure that all its elected members are given as much support as is necessary to enable them to fulfil their duties effectively. All elected members should be provided with adequate telephone, email and internet facilities giving electronic access to appropriate information. Such support should be without cost to the individual member.

The IRPW propose to determine that all authorities must provide for the reimbursement for the cost of dependent children and adults (provided by informal or formal carers) and for personal assistance needs p to a maximum of £403 per month. Reimbursement must be for the additional costs incurred by members in order for them to carry out their approved duties. Reimbursement shall only be made on production of receipts from the carer.

Background:

The remuneration of councillors elected to principal councils is set by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales. Each year, the Panel set out their proposed determinations in a draft Annual Report. The proposed determinations are subject to consultation before the Panel makes its final determinations.

The proposed increase to the basic salary of councillors of £350 per annum represents an increase of 2.5% midway between RPI and CPI. The Panel emphasise that basic salary has fallen behind the benchmark rates and behind increases awarded to MPs and AMs – and at a time when the workloads of councillors has increased.

The Panel wish to draw attention to the lack of take up of the Carers’ Allowance. The Panel have asked that democratic services committees help to ensure that all councillors are aware of this allowance. They have acknowledged that the tax treatment of this allowance is not satisfactory and encourage individual authorities to make representation directly to HMRC.

The Panel also wish to ensure that councillors have the support they need to perform their roles, without cost to the individual councillor. The Democratic Services Committee in Neath Port Talbot has established a programme of work to ensure that elected members have the support they need. This includes:

Member ICT Reference Group

Member Equalities Group

Review of Personal Development Review arrangements

Review of Annual Report arrangements

Member Survey

Member Development Programme

The Committee has also been commissioned by Council to review the case for webcasting council meetings and also for examining how to strengthen public participation in the democratic process

Financial Impacts:

The cost of the proposals in 2020-21 would amount to £22,400. The Director of Finance and Corporate Services has been asked to make additional budget provision to accommodate the proposed increase.

Integrated Impact Assessment:

There is no requirement for an Integrated Impact Assessment as remuneration for councillors is the responsibility of the IRPW.

Valleys Communities Impacts:

There are no specific impacts for valley communities arising from the draft Annual Report.

Workforce Impacts:

There are no workforce impacts arising from the proposed determination.

Legal Powers:

The Welsh Government has provided legal powers to the IRPW to set remuneration for councillors.

Risk Management Impacts:

There are no specific risks that arise from the proposals

Consultation:

There is no requirement for external consultation on this item. However, the Council has an opportunity, as do individual members, to respond to the draft Annual Report.

Recommendations:

Members note the draft Annual Report and proposed determinations for 2020-21.

Members determine whether to respond to the consultation and if so, to identify the key points to include in the Council’s response.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To ensure the IRPW draft Annual Report has been formally considered by the Council.

Implementation of Decision:

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call in period.

Appendices:

None

List of Background Papers:

Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales, Annual Report February 2020

Officer Contact:

Mrs K Jones, Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer

E Mail: k.jones3@npt.gov.uk or Tel: 01639 763284