Members of an independent panel say they are “shocked and disappointed” by a decision by councillors in Lichfield and Burntwood to change their allowances.
Lichfield District Council opted to incorporate an IT fund into the basic figure for members – a decision described as “morally obscene” by one opponent in the chamber.
But the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) report had urged councillors to resist the move.
In a statement, members of the panel said: “The IRP appreciates that members are free to manage and set their own allowances and expenses, but we would have hoped that in doing so they would have given sufficient time and proper consideration to the report prior to uplifting allowances so dramatically.
“It would be fair to say that the IRP has been shocked and disappointed by the decision to reject the recommendation to resist merging IT Fund payments with the basic allowance.
“This comes at a time when the council’s management of its affairs is under scrutiny and it faces a desperate struggle to reduce costs and save money.”
Labour opposition group leader, Cllr Sue Woodward, had called for a delay in the decision to allow the IRP report to be scrutinised and examined fully.
But the controlling Conservative group opted to push ahead with the changes to allowances after claims that continuing with the IT Fund would cost more than amalgamating it into other payments.
However, members of the IRP hit back at the suggestions saying the numbers did not add up.
“The decision has, at a stroke, rejected the scheme the council has endorsed year-on-year – and which had recognised from the outset that not all members were ‘entitled’ to the full IT payment depending on whether they were also county councillors or co-habiting with a fellow Lichfield District Council member.
“Likewise, the decision takes no account of any councillor who decides, at any time, not to participate in the digital revolution but who will nonetheless continue to be paid an undeserving additional amount this decision has permitted.
“The lack of support for Cllr Woodward’s plea to defer the decision pending a closer scrutiny of our report could have permitted a better resolution and allowed for a more measured outcome – one which could address the flaws and concerns, including the efficacy of the council continuing to spend money distributing printed papers to members alongside electronic distribution.
“The IRP strongly urges members to reconsider this year’s allowances in order that proper consideration and scrutiny may be given to the report.”
The panel say they have been denied the opportunity to put their views over at a meeting at the council tonight (July 14).
“We have been advised no arrangements can be made for such an address,” they said.
“As a consequence, we strongly believe council taxpayers should be informed of the council’s flawed and impulsive decision.”
A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council confirmed that the council’s procedure rules meant there was “no provision” for the panel to speak.
Meanwhile, Cllr Chris Spruce, Cabinet member for finance and democracy, said: “We’re grateful for the input of the Independent Remuneration Panel, which was considered carefully.
“We are, however, not bound by its recommendations and feel that our proposals are both fair and sensible.
“It’s essential that our councillors are contactable in many ways to be able to respond to local people’s phone calls and emails as well as find out information online.
“The £435 a year for IT equipment works out at just over £36 a month for each councillor. When you consider this has to cover internet charges, mobile phone contracts, phone bills, home printing and any IT equipment, such as a laptop or tablet, which our councillors need to carry out their roles, we believe it to be a fair amount.
“By allocating a set amount to each councillor, as part of their general allowance, we can cut time and costs by not having to process 47 multiple receipts in the back office. It also allows councillors to meet their IT needs in a more accessible and efficient way.
“It costs the council approximately £10,000 a year to produce council meetings, minutes and agendas. We’re looking at reducing this further by putting even more information online and providing better IT facilities to help councillors manage with fewer paper copies. Ensuring they have the right technology will help us to achieve this.”
