2009/2010 Cabinet Members Allowances and Expenses

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Dear Mr Reid

Ref: FOI101000223636 Freedom of Information Request

Thank you for your attached email received in our office on 23 June 2010.
The Council has a duty to respond 'promptly' to your request, or no later
than 20 working days which in this case is 20 July 2010.

I enclose for your attention, the following information.

1) Please confirm the amounts of allowances and expenses claimed by and
paid to Cabinet Members of Swindon Borough Council for year
2009/2010

The Allowances payable to all Swindon Councillors for 2010/11 are attached
- in terms of all members of Cabinet these are the same as for 2009/10
(there has been no change in amounts payable for 2010/11)

There are two Councillors who were Cabinet Members up until May 2010.
These are Councillor Colin Lovell and former Councillor Philip Young the
latter not seeking election in May 2010.

2) Please confirm the salary and expenses claimed by/paid to the Political
assistant to the Conservative group/Staff Officer to the Cabinet Douglas
Campbell for year 2009/2010

It is not the Council's policy to release the exact salary or expenses
details for all members of staff. We are guided by the ICO's own advice
which states only in exceptional circumstances should exact salary details
be released. In coming to our decision we have taken into account the
position this role holds within the Council and consider disclosure would
in this case breach the Data Protection Act principles under Section 40(2)
of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However, in line with the
guidance, we are prepared to release the pay banding for this role, which
is currently Grade Q1 £28,634 to £37,875. If you still require the exact
salary please get back to me.
I can also confirm during the time period requested Mr Campbell deputised
for Cllr Fionuala Foley at a conference on Reducing Domestic Violence
5.10.09 And staffed the Leader and Deputy Leader at a meeting with the
then Shadow Local Government Minister, Caroline Spelman on 31.03.09, for
which he claimed expenses that were approved following normal Council
procedures.
If you require any further details please get back to me

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Swindon
Website: [1]www.[Swindon Borough Council request email]

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If you are not content with the outcome of our conclusion, you may apply
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The Information Commissioner's Office,
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Email: [2][email address]
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If you require any further information concerning this matter, please
contact me as detailed, quoting the above reference number in any future
communications.

Yours sincerely

Sharon Druett

Sharon Druett ([email address])
Freedom of Information Officer
Law and Democratic Services
Swindon Borough Council
Tel: 01793 463377
Fax: 01793 463405
Web: [3]www.swindon.gov.uk

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