To receive the recommendations of the Employment Panel at its meeting on 13 September 2012.

Councillor Jarvis, Leader of the Council, rose to address Council with the recommendations of the Employment Panel which met on 13 September 2012.  The Leader made the following comments:

·         The Employment Panel received evidence of the current salary trends for the Chief Executive appointments to authorities similar to Herefordshire, which informed the recommendation to Council.

·         Council is required to approve the salary a part of its published Pay Policy Statement under the Localism Act 2011.

·         Should Council approve the salary the Employment Panel will proceed with the recruitment process and make a recommendation to Council on a suitable appointment in due course.

·         Under the Constitution during the interim period an officer needs to be appointed to carry out the functions of the Chief Executive.  It was suggested that the Deputy Chief Executive is the appropriate person.

Council debated the funding for the post and the need to look at the public sector and the salary boundaries and pay.  Council noted the new post would only be responsible for Herefordshire Council and not a joint Chief Executive as previously. Discussion was held on whether any savings would be achieved and Members were reminded that those working in the public sector, particularly those working health, received considerably more salary than this post was offering. Following a vote there were:

For                   18

Against            11

Abstentions     03

The Leader moved the adoption of the recommendations of the Employment Panel.

RESOLVED

          THAT:

a)    the proposed remuneration for the post of Chief Executive be within a range of £140,000 to £145,000; and

b)    the Deputy Chief Executive fulfil the functions of the Chief Executive under the Constitution on an acting basis pending an appointment to the post of Chief Executive.

INFORMATION ITEM - OLD CATTLE MARKET SITE, HEREFORD

The Leader announced to Council that preparatory work for the start of demolition work on the old cattle market site would commence on 1 October 2012.