The Committee is requested to consider the recommendations of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Working Group, 19 September 2016 (Minute 41 refers).

“That the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee be recommended:

(1)  to agree the commencement of a further recruitment exercise with a view to appointing at least two more Independent Persons, to be conducted in a similar manner to the previous one held in June/July 2012;

(2)  to agree that, in accordance with the Members’ Allowances Scheme, Independent Persons will continue to receive a payment of £25 for each meeting they attend, along with a mileage allowance of 45p per mile for the mileage incurred when attending meetings or alternatively be reimbursed at the prevailing public transport rates; and

(3)  the recruitment process, advertisement, job description etc. be approved by the Chair in consultation with the group spokespersons.”

The Assistant Director: Law and Governance introduced the item, and informed that the Committee was requested to consider the recommendations of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Working Group, 19 September 2016 (Minute 41 refers):

“That the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee be recommended:

(1)  to agree the commencement of a further recruitment exercise with a view to appointing at least two more Independent Persons, to be conducted in a similar manner to the previous one held in June/July 2012;

(2)  to agree that, in accordance with the Members’ Allowances Scheme, Independent Persons will continue to receive a payment of £25 for each meeting they attend, along with a mileage allowance of 45p per mile for the mileage incurred when attending meetings or alternatively be reimbursed at the prevailing public transport rates; and

(3)   the recruitment process, advertisement, job description etc. be approved by the Chair in consultation with the Political Group Spokespersons.”

A Member questioned the rulings regarding non-attendance of Independent Members at meetings and the ‘triggers’ that applied. The Assistant Director: Law and Governance informed that the same rules applied for all Members and that he would circulate information on the subject in advance of the next Committee meeting.

Resolved – That

(1)  the commencement of a further recruitment exercise with a view to appointing at least two more Independent Persons be agreed (to be conducted in a similar manner to the previous one held in June/July 2012);

(2)  in accordance with the Members’ Allowances Scheme, Independent Persons will continue to receive a payment of £25 for each meeting they attend, along with a mileage allowance of 45p per mile for the mileage incurred when attending meetings or alternatively be reimbursed at the prevailing public transport rates, be agreed; and

(3) the recruitment process, advertisement, job description etc. be approved by the Chair in consultation with the group spokespersons.