Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Organisational Development.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Organisational Development.

At the invitation of the Chair, the Organisational Development Manager – Payroll, Health & Safety spoke in detail to the report and highlighted the determinations contained within the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) for 2022/23. 

It was noted that as local elections were currently pending, the new arrangements would become effective from 9^th May, 2022 and for the period 1^st April, 2021 to 8^th May, 2022 the current 2021/2022 IRPW determinations would apply.

In reply to a question, the Organisational Development Manager confirmed that it was the choice of individual Members whether to forego or reduce their levels of remuneration.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Council previously responded to the IRPW as part of the consultation period on the draft 2022/2023 determinations expressing objections and concerns to the proposals and stated that the Council was now required to note the final determinations. 

The Leader of the Labour Group expressed his concern regarding the proposed increases to remuneration levels at the current time when there were severe financial constraints being experienced by so many.  He, thereupon, proposed that the status quo be retained i.e. remuneration be maintained at 2021/2022 levels.  Other Members concurred with these comments and expressed their collective concern regarding the current increase in the cost of living and expressed concerns regarding noting the determinations going forward.

The Leader of the Council reiterated that a collective response had been forwarded expressing concerns and objections to the proposals and the determinations were for noting only and pointed out that these determinations would be applicable throughout Wales and it would be the decision of individual Councillors to accept the level of remuneration that they felt appropriate. 

The Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance advised that the report was for noting only and not for approval and the determinations would be implemented regardless of concerns expressed.  This was a unique situation and there was no option to reject these determinations. Members objections had been noted but it was a matter for individual Members to accept the appropriate level of remuneration.

For clarification, the Chief Officer Resources advised that the Council was legally obliged to implement the determinations of the IRPW report and reiterated that it was for individual Members to decide whether to give up or forego any element of the remuneration.  It was noted that should a Member decide to voluntary forgo part of their remuneration, the national insurance and tax deductions would be based on the net amount.  Remuneration was paid as part of the Council budget and any underspends would be retained within this budget.

For clarification, the Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance advised that a decision or alternative motion could not be taken (i.e. to retain current remuneration levels) that would bind all Members because the determinations were permitted in law and was a matter for individuals to decide whether to accept the full amount.   The Chief Officer Resources added that in terms of compliance the IRPW Panel legally required the relevant authority to comply with the determinations and implement the determinations within each financial year.

The Leader of the Labour Group, therefore, proposed that as the determinations would apply to Members of the new Council, that the report be deferred and considered at that point in time.

The Leader of the Council seconded the proposal as the Council was united in its objection with regard to the determinations to increase remuneration levels and even these objections had been submitted as part of the consultation period to the IRPW, they still remained.

Following a lengthy discussion when it was suggested that the decision be made by the new Council.  It was, therefore, unanimously,

RESOLVED that the report be deferred and considered by the new Council following the Local Election in May.