Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To set out a draft Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 for Council’s consideration and approval in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011 (the Act), associated guidance issued under Section 40 of the Act, the Local Government Transparency Code 2015 and any other relevant legislation.

RESOLVED:

(1)   That Council approved the 2024/25 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.

(2)   That Council delegated authority for revisions made in year to the Pay Policy Statement, to the Service Director - Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. Revisions which might arise in the year include changes in structure, changes to employment benefits, subsequent pay awards agreed nationally and new legislative requirements.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015

Recording – 3 hours 3 minutes 58 seconds

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis, Leader of the Council, presented the report ‘Pay Policy Statement’ and advised that:

·       The Pay Award for 2024/25 was not yet agreed and the current statement was based on the 2023/24 rate.

·       The recommendation was to approve the draft statement found in Appendix 1.

·       The Council delegated the authority for revisions to be made in year to the pay statement to the Service Director – Resources in conjunction with the Leader of the Council.

·       The Council was part of the National Joint Council (NJC) for local government services, which was a combined body from multiple local authorities all over the country.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Adam Compton

In response to a question, the Service Director – Resources advised that Officers could claim travel expenses for travel carried out whilst on official duties.

In response to a question, the Managing Director advised that the spinal points and pay scales used were not specific to North Herts Council. The Council were looking at reviewing the pay scales, however, if this did happen it  would inevitably have an impact on the budget.

Councillor Elizabeth Dennis proposed and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)   That Council approved the 2024/25 Pay Policy Statement attached at Appendix 1.

(2)   That Council delegated authority for revisions made in year to the Pay Policy Statement, to the Service Director - Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. Revisions which might arise in the year include changes in structure, changes to employment benefits, subsequent pay awards agreed nationally and new legislative requirements.

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To comply with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, Statutory Guidance issued under s40 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015.