Issue - meetings

Recommendation:

That, subject to any comments Members may have, the outlined amendments to the Terms of Reference for the Independent Remuneration Panel be proposed to the Chief Executive Officer for recommendation, under his emergency decision making powers, to the meeting of the County Council on 21 July 2021.

Considered – Report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) outlining proposed changes to the Terms of Reference for the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP).

County Councillor David Chance introduced the report confirming that the review of the IRP’s terms of reference undertaken earlier this year, had resulted in the proposals detailed in the report for some additions/amendments relating to the recruitment, induction and performance of new members of the panel and the duration of the term of office. He also drew attention to the rationale for the proposed changes, as detailed in the report.

Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal & Democratic Services) provide a brief overview of the background to, and role of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

County Councillor David Chance questioned the need for three of the four proposals i.e. the suggested reduction in size of the Panel, the introduction of a probationary period and the extension of the term of office period to six years.  He proposed that further investigation and discussions take place with Panel members, to better understand their thinking.

Executive Members agreed with the concerns raised, but all agreed with the proposal that the Chair of the IRP should be included in the interview panel for new IRP members.

County Councillor Gareth Dadd suggested that it would be more appropriate nationally if the MCHLG appointed Panel Members, in order maintain true independence.

Resolved – That

i.       It be proposed to the Chief Executive Officer that using his emergency decision making powers he recommend to full Council on 21 July 2021, the Chair of the IRP be included in future interview panels for new IRP members

ii.      Further investigation and discussions take place with the IRP regarding their other three proposals, as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report