Page last updated at 17:36 GMT, Tuesday, July 24 2012

Members' Allowances Scheme

Introduction

Eastleigh Borough Council operates a scheme for the payment of allowances to members. This scheme is defined in exercise of the powers conferred by the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) Regulations 2003 and the Local Government Act 2000: New Constitutions - Allowances for members of Local Authorities.

The current scheme for members’ allowances was introduced in June 2001. This scheme was adopted in response of the requirements of the Local Government Act 2000. Periodically the Council asks an Independent Panel to make proposals for the scheme. The Independent Panel reconvened in 2010 to consider the scheme for the second half of 2010/2011 and future years. Their recommendations were largely adopted by the Council in October 2010.

The scheme in operation

With effect from 1 April 2007, an increase was made dependent on the salary increase of the mid-point of a scale 6 employee; with the exception of scale 9 for the Leader. This was reaffirmed as the correct link in October 2010 whilst also noting that in July 2010 the Council had agreed to freeze allowances for two years.

• Statement of Allowances paid to Members for the year 2011/12

Basic allowance 2012/2013 - £5,685 per year (paid monthly).

Special responsibility allowance

Certain roles in the political management of the Council require work over and beyond that that could reasonably be considered covered by the basic allowance. These roles attract a “special responsibility allowance”. The Independent Panel considered the political management roles of the Council in structuring this element of the scheme. The specific elements of the scheme are given in the following table:

Travel and Subsistence

The scheme also provides payments to Members for travelling and subsistence while on Council business. The key elements of the members’ travelling and subsistence scheme are:

The scheme allows for the claiming of travel and subsistence allowances in relation to approved duties as reviewed by the Council from time to time.

Members should not be penalised merely because of their place of residence in the Borough.

Travel is paid for attending Council meetings and outside bodies.

Claims for travel to be made from where the travel commences, but deducting any costs that would have been incurred in getting to the place of residence.

Future increases to be linked to those of staff essential user rates

The current (2012/13) rates of travel and subsistence are:

Travel

The rates quoted below are linked to the essential user rates for staff.

From 1 June 2011 - mileage rates payable to members – 45 pence per mile (and remains at this rate for the year 2012/13)

For journeys outside the Borough the second-class train fare or the mileage payment is payable.

Subsistence

The subsistence sums quoted below:

Childcare and dependent carer’s allowance

A childcare and dependent carer allowance is payable where actual expenditure is incurred. Payments are based on the actual cost of care but should not exceed £10 per hour other than in exceptional circumstances. In June 2001 this element of the scheme was updated to reflect government regulations. The meetings payable at Eastleigh include the Council, Cabinet, Area Committees, Scrutiny and representing the Council on outside bodies.

IT Equipment

The Council seeks to conduct its business efficiently and with minimal wastage.  As such, it will provide to a Member upon election: a computer or laptop with a dial-back facility (such as Broadband) and a printer.  The Council will also provide related sundries on request.  When the Member ceases to be a Councillor (e.g. s/he does not stand for re-election or is not re-elected), the equipment must be returned to the Council in a good working order within 14 days of them ceasing to be a Councillor.