Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk concerning the potentialRemuneration of Members and possible changes to the timing of committee and other meetings.

Members proceeded to discuss the consultation process on the potential Remuneration of Members and possible changes to the timing of committee meetings in detail, during which the following comments were made:-

·          the content of some of the questions contained in the questionnaires would benefit from further clarification and a number of suggestions were made to achieve this;

·          consultation on the timing of meetings should include options for the status quo and evening meetings. Members should also be made aware that a Committee could opt to change the time of its meetings;

·          the merits of seeking assistance and advice from an independent party on the issue of remuneration;

·          the Financial Loss Scheme was used rarely which could be an indication that Members were not aware of the Scheme; it was also felt that it was not fit for purpose and that consideration should be given to it having a different description and that it should be given more prominence;

·          the impact of the introduction of remuneration and reputational risks associated with it, including the tax implications and its introduction possibly resulting in the reduction in the number of Members should be made clear to Members before any questionnaire was circulated. It was also noted that the reduction in the number of Members would require primary legislation;

·          the package of privileges currently offered to Members should be included in any discussion going forward; and

·          the wider implications and a decision on the general direction of travel on the issue of remuneration should be established before consulting with Members more widely, as this would assist in avoiding further questions.

After further discussion it was suggested that prior to the instigation of the consultation exercises, a further paper which also addressed the pros and cons of the introduction of remuneration, should be prepared for discussion by all Members at the informal Private Members meeting of the Court in November. Members supported the suggestion.

RESOLVED – that prior to the instigation of the two consultation exercises, a further paper which also addressed the pros and cons of the introduction of remuneration, be prepared for discussion by all Members at the informal Private Members meeting of the Court in November.