The Head of Democratic and Customer Services, Andrew Colver, will provide the Panel with an overview of the Mayoral costs.
Minutes:
The Head of Democratic and
Customer Services, Andrew Colver, was invited to the
Panel to provide the background to the Mayoralty arrangement and an overview of
the change in costs over the years. Members were reminded
that the Mayor acted as the Queen’s representative in the Borough and the
mayoralty had been part of civic life in Rushmoor for 42 years. The primary
duties of the Mayor were listed, these included
attending functions and religious services and undertaking official openings
and presentations in the Borough and chairing Council meetings. The Panel was informed that the Mayoralty was well supported within
the community and the demand for the Mayor’s attendance had continued to be
high, with the Mayor attending over 300 events per year.
Members were
advised that the Mayor’s main adviser was the Chief Executive with
further support from his Executive Assistant and the Democratic Support Team.
The Mayor was also supported by the Deputy Mayor, who
deputised for the Mayor at some events. This gave Deputy Mayors a chance
to experience the Mayoralty before their Mayoral year.
The Mayoral allowance was used to cover expenses of the role. The Mayor also
received a £1,000 allowance for chairing Council meetings. It was noted that
this had been a part of the recent review by the Remuneration Panel of the
Members Allowances Scheme and the report was expected in the following few
weeks.
The Panel was
reminded that as part of a service costs review in 2010/11 there had
been a restructure of the Mayoral support. It had been seen
as important to ensure that the Mayoralty should ‘fit for purpose’.
The Panel was informed of the
current staffing arrangements, which were provided
directly through Democratic and Customer Services and divided between two
staff. Their roles had included administrative work, i.e. the Mayor’s diary,
organising specific events and dealing with the finances. The Macebearer had
important ceremonial and security roles to carry out. This post was under
review following the retirement of the post holder and this support had a
potential to be provided from staff within the Council but in most occasions the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were expected to drive
themselves to events and engagements.
The Panel noted that the Council
supported four fundraising events each year, and also
organised civic events, e.g. Remembrance Sunday. It was heard
that these events took substantial resources to put on but supported the
Mayor’s chosen charities.
Members were
provided with some comparative cost data that had been obtained from
other similar authorities, which had shown only a few differences between the
budgets.
The Panel was
informed that a Mayoral Protocol was in the process of being prepared and
aimed to outline the Mayor’s roles and responsibilities, what the Council would
provide and working and financial arrangements. It was noted
that the protocol would provide clarity and guidance and would be included in
the induction process for the Mayor elect.
It was
concluded that the Mayor had played a large part in shaping the
Council’s public image and the Mayor regularly received positive feedback and
repeat requests. The Council was in a challenging financial position but
recognised the value of the Mayoralty. The Mayoralty would continue to receive
support from volunteers and it was believed that the
protocol would help to provide clarity.
Andrew Colver answered questions
on a number of issues including the Mayoral Car and condensing support from
Members. It was requested that the ‘demand’ for the Mayor be
recorded by staff in the future. It was also agreed
that the possibility of providing a Members’ badge should be investigated.
The Panel NOTED the presentation and requested that the issues raised be examined further.