The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007

The Local Government (Allowances and Expenses) (Scotland) Regulations 2007

Record of Payments of Remuneration, Allowances and Expenses made by Argyll and Bute Council for the period from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018

Argyll and Bute Council is required to publish a record of the payments made to Councillors in terms of the above regulations. The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 as amended make provisions for the payment of prescribed levels of remuneration by local authorities to Councillors. The Local Government (Allowances and Expenses) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 as amended make provision for the payment by local authorities to Councillors of certain types of allowance and reimbursement of expenditure incurred on approved duties of such Councillors.

Remuneration and Expenses

The tables attached set out the payments made for the period from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. The amounts shown are not the amounts actually received by Councillors. Firstly, the Remuneration payments shown are gross figures which are then subject to tax and national insurance deductions.  Secondly, other expense payments relate solely to the reimbursement of actual expenditure incurred by the councillor and are all backed up with receipts. Thirdly, the Council decided that it would be more effective to provide a broadband connection for each Councillor for council business related communication and telephone calls. No reimbursement has been made to Councillors in respect of such costs – these are all paid for directly by the Council on behalf of Councillors. These are included in the table this year reflecting revised guidance issued on such costs.

Training

During 2017/18 Argyll and Bute Council ran a comprehensive induction programme for new and returning Elected Members  which provided an overview of how the council works, key challenges,  the role and responsibilities of councillors and an in-depth introduction to all council service areas. The programme was delivered over a 3 week period and was designed to equip Elected Members with the skills to promote and practice effective debate and scrutiny in all aspects of the council’s work within the organisation itself, with partners and across the wider community. This included mandatory sessions for members of the regulatory cohort in relation to planning, licensing and civic government legislation and processes.

In addition the Council ran a series of Elected Member Seminars and workshops as follows:

In order to support strategic oversight each of the Committees have in place active programmes of training and development activity focusing on committee specific requirements which are generally open to all Elected Members.

Elected Members also engaged in a wide range of continuous professional development activities including participation in planning and licensing related training and IT skills development.

Douglas Hendry

Executive Director of Customer Services

1 June 2018