General provisions

Elections to Forgo Allowances

A person may, by notice in writing to the Chief Executive of the Council, elect to forgo his/her entitlement to the whole or part of any allowance.

Time-limits

Claims for payment for dependants' carers' allowance, travelling and subsistence allowance, and co-optees' allowance must be made within six months from the date on which entitlement arises, although the Council may make payment where the allowance has not been claimed within the specified period.

Membership of other relevant authorities

A member of the Council who is also the member of another relevant authority (as defined in Regulation 3) shall not be paid an allowance from more than one authority in respect of the same duties.

Amendments to Scheme

Where an amendment is made which affects an allowance payable for the year in which the amendment is made, the entitlement to the allowance as amended will apply with effect from the beginning of the year in which the amendment is made.

Repayments

Where a member is suspended or partially suspended from responsibilities or duties as a member in accordance with Part III of the Local Government Act 2000 or regulations made thereunder, or ceases to be a member of the Council, or is any other way not entitled to receive an allowance, the Council may require that such part of an allowance paid in respect of a period of non-entitlement shall be repaid to the Council.

Taxation

Allowances other than travelling and subsistence are subject to income tax and national insurance contributions (where applicable). Deduction at the appropriate rate shall be made at source.

Claims

Allowances shall be paid automatically. Claims for expenses should be made on the Members' Expenses Application Form. Claims will be processed monthly and if received by the first working day of the month, will be paid on the 15^th day of that month, or at longer intervals, if the member wishes.