Agenda item

Resolved:

·       That the Committee considers and comments on the Determinations made by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales in their draft Annual Report for 2024/25.

·       That the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to make a response on behalf of the Democratic Services Committee reflecting the decision and comments made at the meeting, to the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales.

Officers provided members with a brief overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. Members are consulted annually around this time by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW); a final draft of the report will be available around February, which will inform members of the remuneration for 2025/26. The committee usually makes a request for Democratic Services Officers to respond to the consultation on their behalf, however, members can respond individually if they wish.

Members raised concern regarding elected members who also had caring responsibilities and the impact of balancing responsibilities and undertaking their duties as a councillor. Members questioned what support was in place and how accessible this was.

Officers confirmed that there was a support package for members which included, reimbursement of child care costs incurred. The support package is not mentioned in the report as there have been no changes to it. The support is not being used by members and officers will look at how members can be informed of what support is available.

Members asked for a more proactive approach and whether there could be standardisation relating to a weekly allowance to enable parents/carers to be able to carry out their duties.

Members questioned whether there has been a review of the number of hours elected members undertake to carry out their role as a councillor.

Officers advised members that, to their knowledge, a review has not been undertaken and encouraged members to provide feedback to this effect to the IRPW.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services confirmed that this point could be included as part of the response to the draft IRPW report. The IRPW may need to consider documenting in the draft report how conclusions are reached and the evidence that is there to sustain it.

Members questioned what the financial pressure on the council would be from the proposed increases mentioned in the draft report.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services confirmed that the council do not receive any additional Welsh Government funding in relation to the proposed increase in members salary costs. The council is expected to find the increase as part of the overarching budget proposal setting.

Officers confirmed that the draft IRPW proposals had been raised with the Director of Finance for consideration when setting the budget. A breakdown can be requested for the February meeting.

Members reiterated previous comments in relation to the importance of a standard financial support package to assist councillors in carrying out their role, a standard package for parents and carers may attract a more diverse group of counsellors.

Officers offered to provide details of the existing package of support to remind members of what support was available. The support package is unchanged, so members were encouraged to feedback on that element in relation to the consultation, if the current provision was not considered to be sufficient.

Members requested that the details of the support package is sent to all councillors.

Resolved:

· That the Committee considers and comments on the Determinations made by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales in their draft Annual Report for 2024/25.

· That the Head of Democratic Services be authorised to make a response on behalf of the Democratic Services Committee reflecting the decision and comments made at the meeting, to the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales