Recommendation:

That the Executive consider the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances and to make recommendations to the meeting of the County Council on 22 February 2023 regarding the recommended Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances for the new Council.

Considered - Report of the Assistant Chief Executive – Legal and Democratic Services detailing the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances and recommendations to be made to the meeting of the County Council on 22 February 2023.

County Councillor Gareth Dadd detailed the evidence gathering process and the method used by the Independent Renumeration Panel to produce the report and recommendations.

County Councillor David Chance reaffirmed the independent nature of the panel and emphasised the new allowances scheme proposed are for a new council. He also suggested that pay levels for elected members should be set nationally in the future.

Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal & Democratic Services) noted the reduction in the number of councillors in the county as part of North Yorkshire Council from 319 down to 90. He also stated that the IRP reviewed comparator data for similar unitary authorities, submissions from county councillors regarding their role, submissions from senior officers regarding the responsibilities and scope of the new council and economic data on inflation, the cost of living and national pay awards as part of their deliberations.

Resolved –

That the Executive consider the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances and to make recommendations to the meeting of the County Council on 22 February 2023 regarding the recommended Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances for the new Council.