Issue - meetings

That the Council’s provision of telephones to Members remain as it is.

The Democratic Services Manager presented a report to consider the provision of telephones to all elected Members, to comply with Determination 6 of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW).  The Council had resolved in 2015 to oppose the determination due to cost implications and this issue had been raised again during a recent IRPW visit.  A survey of the 22 Welsh authorities concluded that of the majority which had responded, only a third offered some type of telephone provision for their Members.

Councillor Shotton said that it was not feasible for telephones to be provided in the current financial climate.  His proposal that the Council remain non-compliant with Determination 6 was seconded.

This view was shared by Councillor Healey who suggested a Notice of Motion to show the strength of feeling against the IRPW determination.

The Chief Officer provided background information on Determination 6 which sought to ensure that sufficient support was available to help elected Members in their role.

Councillor Peers asked if there were any implications of non-compliance and whether these could be overcome by introducing an ‘opt out’ provision.  Officers advised that no sanction would be imposed and that the Committee could consider introducing an optional scheme, which also applied to travelling expenses.

Councillors Woolley and Dunbar spoke in support of retaining the current arrangement.

In response to questions, the Chief Officer provided information on the mobile telephone contract and monitoring arrangements within each portfolio.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s provision of telephones to Members remain as it is.