To consider whether the independent persons for standards should be paid an allowance for undertaking this work

The solicitor to the council presented the report. 

It was noted that if the committee were to recommend that the independent persons (IP) for standards be paid an allowance that the independent remuneration panel (IRP) be asked to make a recommendation to council.  

It was confirmed that IPs could claim their expenses.

It was noted that if a decision was made to pay an allowance, an IP could chose not to receive it.   There were currently 7 IPs and the workload was evenly spread.   However, there was a great deal of background work required by an IP when preparing for a standards panel as well as chairing a panel.   The solicitor to council confirmed that the Localism Act 2011 did permit an allowance to be paid without affecting an IP’s independence.

Following a query from a member of the committee, it was noted that there had been difficulty in the past in recruiting IPs but at the last recruitment drive, 8 had been recruited. 

It was proposed that Councillor Peter Jinman and seconded that Councillor Christy Bolderson that it be recommended to council that independent persons for standards be paid an allowance. 

For:                 4

Against:           0

Abstentions:    2

It was noted that Richard Stow’s term as an independent person for standards would cease at the end of May.   Mr Stow had provided advice on the code of conduct and also assisted with a large number of complaints in relation to one parish council.   The committee thanked Mr Stow for his advice during the last four years.

RESOLVED that

(a)   the independent persons for standards be paid an allowance; and

(b)   the independent remuneration panel be asked to make a recommendation to council in respect of an allowance rate.