Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 22, 2026

Purpose:

Content:  That Council:    i.            Rejects the recommendation that allowances be increased and back paid to members from 23rd May 2025 in respect of;     a.      A 1.5% increase of the basic allowance;    b.      A 1.5% increase of SRA allowances, to include leader and deputy leader of the council, executive members, leaders and deputy leaders of the largest and second largest opposition parties, chairs of committees, and the civic allowance for the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council.    ii.            Approves that:    a.      Only one SRA allowance to be payable to any member;    b.      The number of SRA’s payable at any one time that does not exceed 50% of Council Members (34 Members);    c.      The Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA) for Chair of the Planning Committee be set at the same level as Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committee;    d.      Mileage and Subsistence allowances remain unchanged and in line with HMRC guidelines and Council policy;    e.      Childcare and Dependents carers allowance remain unchanged at a maximum of £6,500 per annum;    f.        The Local Government Association (LGA) model parental leave policy be adopted;    g.      Co-opted Members and Independent Persons allowance remains at £400 per meeting but to be uncapped, paid only on attendance;    h.      The basic allowance and each of the SRAs allowances be subject to an agreed annual indexation in line with NJC national pay award to officers which covers inflation and cost of living pressures. Should a fixed sum be awarded in any particular year, allowances to be increased for that particular year in line with the equivalent percentage increase in staff salary of that of a deputy chief officer;    i.         No changes are made to the Approved Duties as outlined in the Members’ Allowance Scheme.