Joint Independent Remuneration Panel
The arrangements for determining allowances for elected members are set down in statutory regulations – the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 1021) and subsequent amendments to the regulations (SI 2003/1022 and SI 2003/1692). Each local authority is required to maintain an Independent Panel to make recommendations to the Council on Members’ Allowances and allowances payable to independent and co-opted members.
The County Council, Mendip District Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council have established a Joint Independent Remuneration Panel to advise the councils on their respective schemes.
View recent JIRP reports on Somerset County Council’s Scheme of Members’ Allowances, together with the Council’s decisions in response to the panel’s reports below.
Council decision on the JIRP recommendations – 19 July 2017
JIRP report – 30 November 2016 (contained in the report of the Monitoring Officer)
Council decision on the JIRP recommendations – 30 November 2016 (see paragraph 8 on page 2)
Council decision on the JIRP recommendations – 15 July 2015 (see Minute AK163 on page 6)
Council decision on the JIRP recommendations – 17 July 2013 (see Minute AK18 on page 10)
Somerset County Council operates a Members’ Allowances Scheme.
Under the Scheme:
- Each County Councillor (also referred to by the term ‘Member’) receives a basic allowance for undertaking their Council duties.
- Certain members are paid Special Responsibility Allowances to undertake specific additional duties
- Members can claim travel costs, subsistence costs, and dependent carers’ cost whilst undertaking approved duties, subject to certain conditions
- Independent co-opted members of the committees can claim travel and subsistence costs and co-opted members of the Standards Committee receive a co-opted members’ allowance.
Allowances and expenses
To view the amount paid to councillors and co-opted members in allowances and expenses, please choose the relevant year below
Statutory Notice of Members Allowances for 2019/20
Scheme of Members Allowances for 2019/20
Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2018/19
Statutory Notice of Members’ Allowances for 2018/19
Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2017/18
Statutory Notice of Members’ Allowances for 2017/18
Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2016/17
Statutory Notice of Member’s Allowances for 2016/17
Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2015/16
Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2014/15
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2018/19
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2017/18
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2016/17
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2015/16
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2014/15
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2013/14
Allowances and expenses paid to members in the financial year 2012/13
Contact the team
For further information please contact:
Julian Gale – Strategic Manager – Partnerships Governance
JJGale@somerset.gov.uk or 01823 359500