Councillor Hebb, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal, presented the report which sought the approval of the Council’s Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18. It included the requirement, under the Localism Act 2011, to publish its policy relating to pay for chief officers.

Councillor J Kent stated that he would be supporting the recommendations tonight. He felt that Public Sector Chief Executive salaries should be benchmarked against the salaries of senior civil servants and not the Prime Minister or other politicians, which he felt, were not comparable posts.  Councillor J Kent also commented that he was glad to hear that there would be no five per cent reduction cut on senior management pay. Councillor J Kent also thanked Officers for the sterling job that they undertake.

Councillor Coxshall commented that the no five per cent reduction on senior management pay indicated that times and economy had changed and that everyone deserved a pay rise.

Councillor Gledhill congratulated the Chief Executive in reducing staff numbers as part of the five per cent reduction.

The Mayor invited the Chamber to vote on the recommendations.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, whereupon the Mayor declared these to be carried.

RESOLVED

1.         That the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2017/18 was agreed in line with the Council’s obligations under the Localism Act 2011, the Single Status Agreement and the recommendations by the independent market assessment.

2.         That the Agreement to continue to pay the UK Living Wage as a supplement to its lowest-paid employees and remain competitive. This rate should rise on 1 April 2017 in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended rate of £8.45ph.