Issue - meetings

To seek the observations of the Committee in order to respond to the (draft) Annual Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales for 2021/22.

DECISION 

(a)  To accept the report.

(b)  It was agreed that the Chair would write a letter to the members promoting the reimbursements in an attempt to increase the number of those claiming.

Reasons:

The report noted that the number of people who claimed a reimbursement for personal costs or care costs remained very low and, therefore, the Committee needed to promote the provision.

The Democracy and Language Services Manager submitted her report seeking the committee members' observations to form a response to the consultation by 23 November.

An overview of the proposed increase in elected members' basic salaries and higher salaries was provided. She noted that should members wish not to accept it they would be required to submit a written note in accordance with the usual procedure.

Attention was drawn to the main issue for discussion, namely the concern that remained regarding the low rate of members claiming the reimbursement of contributions towards necessary care of dependent children and adults. The Democratic and Language Services Manager noted that the rate was low across Wales, and the Democratic Services Committee was asked to discuss methods for promoting the reimbursement amongst members.

It was noted that steps had already been taken in removing the previous requirement to publish the names of individuals who claimed the reimbursement. It was expressed that removing this requirement encouraged diversity in democracy in the hope that more people from diverse backgrounds would stand as councillors.

The following specific points arose from the discussion:

(a)  It was suggested that new members could be made aware of the reimbursement soon after their appointment, and that existing members could be reminded through a letter.

(b)  It was discussed that it was possible that there was a stigma attached to claiming the reimbursement, and there was a need to emphasise that those claiming it would remain anonymous.

(c)  It was noted that there was a need to normalise claiming the reimbursement by promoting it on a national level.

(d)  A concern was raised that existing members who were eligible to claim were not doing so, and it was suggested that there was a need to send an appeal out for them to claim it.

DECISION 

(a)  To accept the report.

(b)  It was agreed that the Chair will write a letter to the members promoting the reimbursements in an attempt to increase the number of those claiming.