Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

The Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance (Councillor David Sedgwick) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED – That the Annual Pay Policy Statement 2018/19 be confirmed and published in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance.

This Pay Policy Statement sets out the Council’s approach to pay policy in accordance with the requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.  The policy also has due regard for the associated statutory guidance including supplementary guidance issued in February 2013 and the Local Government Transparency code 2014. The Councils Gender Pay Gap information is also included for the first time in line with the new publication requirements.

Once approved by the Council Meeting, this policy statement will come into immediate effect and will be subject to review on a minimum of an annual basis, the policy for the next financial year being approved by 31 March each year.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the following:-

·         the submission of the Pay Policy Statement for the Council for adoption at the Council Meeting on the 18th January 2018.

·         an increase in the Living Wage rate paid by the Council, in line with current policy, to £8.75 per hour, with effect from 1 April 2018.

·         to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.

Officer contact: Greg McNair, 0161 218 1427, greg.mcnair@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal to increase the Living Wage Rate paid by the Council and to consider the Pay Policy Statement produced in accordance with requirements of Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the proposed increase in the living wage. He also highlighted the inclusion within the report of information on the gender pay gap, and that while any such gap was not acceptable, the overall situation for the Council was positive.

Cabinet members emphasised the importance of ensuring that the Council’s pay structure supported and encouraged staff to prevent high levels of turnover that was ultimately more costly to the Council and the quality of services.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Council Meeting be recommended to approve and adopt the Pay Policy Statement for the Council.

(2) That approval be given to the increase in the Living Wage rate paid by the Council, in line with current policy to £8.75 per hour, with effect from 1 April 2018.

(3) That agreement be given to publish the Council’s Gender Pay Gap information.