observer Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 What's the point of setting up an "Independent" Review Panel to examine and recommend on Councillor's allowances (ww news); IF Councillors want to dictate it's terms of reference etc - surely that's the whole point in having an "Independent" Panel; to keep their greedy little snouts away from the trough? Likewise, with MPs; what's needed, aside from a root and branch review of their allowances and expenses; is some "independent" oversight as to such arrangements, alas this example by local politicians is a good indication of the reponse of their national counterparts - I'm sure every worker in the land would love to dictate their own pay and conditions?! Oh how these politicians must envy Sir Fred the shred! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McBain Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Fred the Shred is the local Councillor's role model Big fat protected pension, no penalties for pathetic "work" and the run of the castle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Kennedy Posted March 24, 2009 Report Share Posted March 24, 2009 Comparing the Working Group's report and that of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) that will be put to Full Council next Monday, I would suggest that the IRP have been very independent....indeed the only recommendation that they have taken from the report is that 45% of time...and therefore allowance, should be regarded as voluntary, up from 20%. It should be noted that the 45% was used in an entirely different formula. PS WBC do not offer Councillors a pension....nor will they....big fat protected or otherwise. It is officers....and former officers..........who receive that benefit McBain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 So, why set up a "working group" to check your wallets - if you've got an "independent" panel to do it - thought you were on a crusade against waste Paul?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Kennedy Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 It was felt by the resources committee that it was time for Warrington's IRP to be looked at, comparing it to similar bodies elsewhere, look at other allowances elsewhere, look at regulations etc etc etc. alas the IRP had failed to do those things. One of the effects given the latest IRP report is that they have raised their game, they have produced a good report....unlike previous years....they have certainly benefitted from the training that the working group arranged for them with Dr Hall. Whilst I'm not on the resources committee, I have an interest in pay and performance so I was asked if I would like to be on the small working group. Personally I would like to see a national scheme of allowances. With regards to looking at my wallet, given my background and previous and potental earnings level, being a Councillor does not represent a money making opportunity for me anyway.....although I guess for others it does provide a helpful income stream. You are right about waste, I regularly send in notes drawing attention to such matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 So the independant revue panel (I assume that is what it stands for) has just been looked at by the very section of people it is meant to independantly revue? or am I missing something here!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Kennedy Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 You have indeed. The Independent Review Panel looks at allowances etc in accordance with the Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 1021 The Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003, not the performance of Councillors...it's the voters who do that...or not. I can assure you that their independence has not been violated, indeed their latest report seems to confirm that point, and their performance as I posted earlier has greatly improved as a result of the Working Group's work and the independent training that they received from Dr Hall as a result of our recommendation. The working group never had nor wanted the authority or power to determine the allowances. I understand that membership of the IRP is open to all, so Forum posters could apply to join the Panel if and when a vacancy arises. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 So you've "wasted" time an energy, duplicating the function of the IRP and interfering with an "independent" process; rather than applying time and energy to the issues of the day.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Kennedy Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 No Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter T Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 Short and to the point. LOL. Why use twenty words when one will do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted March 25, 2009 Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 Exactly!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted March 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2009 "No" - is an unsual answer from a politician, and seems only to occure when they can't justify their reasoning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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