Issue - meetings

Councillor Robert Jandy, the Cabinet Member for Organisational Excellence along with the Director Human Resources & Organisational Development submitted a report as the Localism Act 2011 requires local authorities to agree and publish a Pay Policy Statement by 1st April each year. The joint report sets out the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2021/2022 for consideration by Cabinet, prior to referral to Full Council for approval.

As Councillor Jandy was unable to be present, the Leader introduced the joint report and invited Members to note a slight reduction in the ratio of highest to lowest paid from 1:7 to 1:6.7. The Leader drew Members’ attention to the fact that the increase in the number of officers paid over £50,000 was the consequence of a national pay-award benefiting existing staff, not the creation of new posts. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Commercialisation. Education and Skills advised Members to note that around two thirds of staff members were paid less than £30,000 per year, which may help to refute myths about salaries. The Deputy Leader also noted that some posts were highly specialised and hence needed appropriate pay levels to retain staff.

Resolved (1) That it is noted that Cabinet reviewed the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2021 / 2022, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report Clear statement of what is recommended and who is to be authorised to take the actions required and by when.

(Minute for Confirmation)

(2) That Cabinet recommends the Pay Policy Statement to the Council for approval, and, if approved, authorise the Director of Human Resources & Organisational Development to update the salary information on 1st April 2021 prior to publication.

The reasons for the decision and alternative options are as set out in the report to the meeting.