To approve the 2020 pay policy statement for publication.

Council considered a report by the chairperson of the employment panel to approve the pay policy statement for 2020.

The report and recommendation was moved by the Leader (as chairperson of the employment panel) and seconded by the cabinet member for finance and corporate services.

During the discussion it was requested that in future the report should include detail of the gender pay gap at the council.

The pay policy statement was put to the vote and approved unanimously.

RESOLVED: That:

(a) the pay policy statement at appendix A is approved

To consider the 2020 pay policy statement for recommendation to Council. It is a statutory requirement for Council to approve an annual pay policy statement.

The assistant director people introduced the report, noting that the pay policy statement was an annual requirement and that there had been no significant changes to the policy. The panel was required to consider the draft statement and make recommendation to Council for its adoption.

The assistant director drew attention to an amendment that was required to update a post title following a recent appointment in the adults and communities directorate.

In discussion of the report the panel noted that:

·         Honoraria payments were not widely used and were generally small payments where staff were providing cover for a permanent post holder for a short period of time;

·         Rates of pay in Herefordshire were lower than neighbouring councils, the offer from other councils was monitored and pay was not the only factor but market supplements were used where there were difficulties recruiting to particular roles, the assistant director had delegated authority to make some additional payments to react to market forces;

·         All market forces payments were attached to the post rather than the person appointed and were reviewed no later than the two year anniversary to check that the original market conditions were still in place;

·         The salary ratio between the council’s lowest paid staff and the chief executive’s salary compared favourably with other councils and was declining.

The panel were content with the pay policy statement but requested that further details on reviews of market supplement payments and benchmarking with other councils be included in the covering report presented to Council.

It was agreed that:

(a)  The draft pay policy statement at appendix A be recommended to full Council for approval.