Indexing

Regulation 10(4) permits a scheme to make provision for an annual adjustment of allowances by reference to an index. The Council may not rely on that index for longer than four years before seeking a further recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel. Annual adjustments to allowances by reference to the index do not count as amendments to the scheme, although Regulation 16(2) requires advertisement in a local newspaper of the main features of the scheme every twelve months, whether amended or not.

The level of Basic Allowance shall be adjusted annually by reference to an index. The scheme shall identify that index as the annual cost of living salary increase for officers. The Basic Allowance shall be so indexed for a period of up to four years, after which it shall no longer be used without the further recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

On 23 February 2009, the Council resolved that the Basic Allowance and the Child Care and Dependant Carers' Allowances should be increased annually by the Chief Executive in line with the agreed pay award for the Council's staff. It was also resolved that the Home PC allowance should be adjusted to reflect current internet costs.

On 17 February 2011, the Council resolved that the Child Care and Dependent Carers Allowances, and the Home PC allowance, remain at the same level as determined for 2010/11. The Council also resolved that the Independent Remuneration Panel undertakes a further review of Members' Allowances following the introduction of the Strong Leader Model, and for that review to take place in time for any decision to be included in the 2012/13 Budget.