Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To request that Executive recommend to Council that the Pay Policy Statement, drafted in compliance of section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011, be approved.

Decision

That Council be recommended to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None. Section 38 (1) of the Localism Act 2011 required local authorities to produce a Pay Policy Statement for each financial year. This must be approved by the Council by 31 March of each year, for it to be effective in the following financial year.

Reasons for the Decision

Each council’s pay policy statement was required to detail the council’s own policies on the pay of its workforce, particularly its senior staff and its lowest paid employees. The determination of the pay policy statement was reserved for the Council.

The Government also considered that decisions on pay policies should be taken by elected members, as those directly accountable to local communities. The Act therefore required the pay policy statement and any amendments to be considered by a meeting of full Council and could not be delegated to any committee.

The pay policy statement must detail the level and elements of remuneration for chief officers; the remuneration of the lowest paid employee, and the definition of ‘lowest paid employee’; the relationship between the remuneration of chief officers and other officers; and specific aspects of chief officers’ remuneration, including at appointment, increases, termination and any other payments.