Having An Independant Say On Councillors' Allowances

Applications are being invited from members of the community who want to get involved and have an independent say on Councillors' allowances for the future.

The East Kent Joint Independent Remuneration Panel and the East Kent Joint Parish Remuneration Panels are set up to make recommendations to District and Parish Authorities about allowances paid to elected Members, in accordance with The Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003. The Panels will carry out this role for Dover, Shepway and Thanet District Councils, and for the Parish Councils within their areas. Members of Panels provide a valuable contribution in advising elected Members in setting the allowance scheme.

Suitable candidates are likely to have an understanding of the work of Local Government and elected Members, good questioning skills, and be assertive. It would be interesting to hear from applicants who have experience of the voluntary sector or local business community, and/or experience of setting allowance schemes.

Independent members will need to be able to devote time to the work. Meetings will be held during the daytime and evenings. Panels meet as is required, usually once or twice a year, except during years when the four yearly review of allowances is required. Members will be expected to serve a minimum of two years. An annual allowance will be paid with an additional allowance for each meeting they are required to attend. Members of the Remuneration Panels will not be: a co-opted or elected Member of any Local Authority; disqualified from being or becoming a member of a Local Authority; a close friend or relative of an elected Member.

If you are interested in applying, or for more information, please contact Ms Rebecca Brough, Democratic Support Officer on 01304 872304. The closing date for applications is Friday, 4 January 2008.