Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Democratic Services Committee held on 16 July 2019 be approved and signed as a correct record.

The Head of Democratic Services provided a report which commented on the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) Draft Annual Report 2020-2021 which was currently out for consultation.

The comments of the Democratic Services Committee would lead to a Council report proposing a formal reply to the IRPW.

The Committee discussed the relevant determinations and were particularly pleased to note the determination in respect of the publication of reimbursement of the costs of care, whereby the Panel had decided that relevant authorities should only publish the total amount reimbursed during the year.

Resolved that the report be recommended to Council on 27 November 2019 for approval.

The Head of Democratic Services presented a report to promote the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales’ (IRPW) determination in relation to the Reimbursement of Costs of Care and to encourage take up of the reimbursement by presenting this report to Council.

The Committee agreed that the reimbursement of costs of care could assist those Councillors and Co-opted Members with caring responsibilities, which in turn might help to increase diversity in democracy by encouraging people to stand as candidates as the caring responsibility barrier was removed.

They noted that whilst very few Councillors / Co-Opted Members were utilising the provision, Swansea Council had the highest number of Councillors / Co-Opted members in Wales that had claimed.  However, it was interesting to note that only those with childcare responsibilities had claimed and the Authority needed to promote the provision so that those with caring responsibilities for other dependants such as the elderly were encouraged to claim.

The Head of Democratic Services was asked to amend the report slightly in order to highlight some examples of what the Reimbursement of Costs of Care could be used for. He responded that he would amend the report prior to it being presented to Council and also that the IRPW had produced a short video which contained useful information entitled Ever thought about being a Welsh councillor?.  This could be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3o0eKrX2Ds&feature=youtu.be

Resolved that:

1)              The report be noted;

2)              The amended report be submitted to Council for information.