Extract from Part 6 of the Council’s
Constitution –Members' Allowances Scheme
The Council of the London Borough of Newham in exercise of the powers conferred
by the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 and the
Local Government Pension Scheme and Discretionary Compensation (Local
Authority Members in England) Regulations 2003 hereby makes the following
scheme:
1.
This scheme may be cited as the Newham Council Members' Allowances
Scheme. All parts of the scheme shall have effect from the 1 April, 2007.
The scheme will remain in force until revoked or amended by the Council.
This scheme revokes in its entirety the previous scheme made on the 8
December 2003 (as amended).
2. In
this
scheme,
"Councillor" means a member of the council of the London Borough of
Newham who is a Councillor:
"Mayor" means a member of the council of the London Borough of Newham
who has been directly elected as Mayor:
References to “Member” means both the Mayor and Councillors
“Co-opted Member” means a non-elected Member of a Committee, Sub-
Committee or Commission
"year" means the 12 months ending with 31st March.
Basic Allowance
3.
Subject to paragraph 10, for each year a basic allowance of £10,722* shall
be paid to each Councillor with the exception of the Mayor. The basic
allowance covers all intra-borough travel and subsistence costs and incidental
costs such as the use of a Members home including telephone rental costs.
*Payable from the 1 April 2008
Special Responsibility Allowances
4.
(1)
For each year a Special Responsibility Allowance shall be paid to those
Councillors who hold the special responsibilities in relation to the
authority that are specified in Schedule 1 to this scheme.
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(2)
Schedule 1 specifies four special responsibility bands. Bands 1 to 3
have a lower and higher level of payment. Band 4 has three levels of
payment. Subject to Section 10, the amount of allowance to be paid
to each Member holding a special responsibility shall be as specified in
Schedule 1 or determined by reference to the Job Profile and the
portfolio using the method set out in Schedule 1.
(3)
Subject to (4) below, if a Member is appointed to more than one
position attracting a Special Responsibility Allowance, s/he may only
receive one Special Responsibility Allowance and this will be at the
higher level. (Note: This paragraph does not apply to the allowances
paid to the Civic Ambassador and Deputy. The allowances paid to
these postholders are not part of this scheme. They are provided
under Schedule 2 of the Local government Act 1972 to meet the
expenses of these positions.)
(4) Subject to (5) below, a Member representing the Council on the
external bodies listed in Schedule 1 and holding the position shown will
be entitled to the allowance indicated in addition to any other special
responsibility allowance permitted under this scheme.
(5)
If a Member is also a Member of another authority, that Member may
not receive allowances from more than one authority in respect of the
same duties.
Co-opted Members’ Allowances
5.
(1)
For each year a Co-opted Members’ Allowance shall be paid to those
Co-opted Members who are appointed to either the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee or its Commissions (Sub-Committees) or the
Standards Committee.
(2)
Subject to paragraph 10, the amount of each such allowance shall be
the amount specified in Schedule 2.
Travel and Subsistence Allowances
6.
(1)
A Travel and Subsistence Allowance shall be paid in accordance with
Schedule 3 to this scheme to those Members or Co-opted Members
who necessarily incur such expenses in carrying out their duties as a
Member or Co-opted Member.
(2)
Travel and Subsistence Allowances will not be paid to Members for
intra-borough duties as these costs are reflected in the basic allowance
unless the Member foregoes the whole of their basic allowance.
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(3)
Co-opted Members may claim a travel allowance to attend meetings in
the borough.
Childcare and Dependant Carers’ Allowances
7.
(1)
An allowance shall be paid to those Members or Co-opted Members
who necessarily incur such expenses for arranging for the care of their
children or dependants to enable them to undertake any of the
activities specified in Schedule 4 to this scheme.
(2)
The level of allowance will be set at £7.00 up to 10pm and £9.35 after
10pm for each hour of care, irrespective of the number of people cared
for.
Financial Limits
8.
The Chief Executive, will arrange for the budget for Members Allowances to
be monitored to ensure that budgetary issues are reported to Members.
Foregoing Allowances
9.
A Member or Co-opted Member may by notice in writing given to the Chief
Executive elect to forego any part of his or her entitlement to an allowance
under this scheme. Any Member foregoing the whole of their basic allowance
is entitled to claim intra-borough travel costs and subsistence expenses and
telephone rental costs up to the maximum of their basic allowance in any one
year.
Part-year entitlements
10.
If a Member or Co-opted Member becomes entitled to any allowance mid way
through the year, s/he is entitled to the relevant proportion of that allowance
from the date of entitlement.
Claims and Payments
11. (1) Payments in respect of basic, special responsibility and Co-opted
Members’ allowance shall be made in instalments of one-twelfth of the
amount specified in this scheme on the l5th day of each month.
Payments in respect of Travel, Subsistence and Childcare and
Dependant Carers’ Allowances shall be made to the Member or Co-opted
Member on receipt of a claim form signed by the Member or Co-opted
Member.
(2) A time limit of six months shall be set for all claims made for
reimbursement under this scheme and claims received more than six
months after expenditure was incurred will not be reimbursed.
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(3) Any Member who falls sick or takes paternity or maternity leave may
continue to receive any special responsibility allowance even though it
maybe necessary for a temporary replacement during their absence.
Whether it is appropriate to continue to pay the special responsibility
allowance shall be reviewed by the Council after 6 months absence (at
which time the Council will be receiving a report concerning any
proposal to give dispensation on attendance at meetings in any event).
Increases in Allowances
12. Special Responsibility, Dependent Carers’, Travel and Subsistence and Co-
opted Member Allowances are to be updated each year on 1st April by the
average % increase in the Local Government Pay Settlement. The amounts
so calculated are to be rounded up to be divisible by 12. Such increases
shall last for a maximum four years (30th April, 2011) and shall then be
subject to review.
Withholding Allowances
13.
Allowances may be withdrawn in whole or in part in the event of a Member or
Co-opted Member being suspended or partially suspended. The decision to
withhold an allowance will be made by the Standards Committee who have
absolute discretion to determine the matter having considered the
circumstances of the full or partial suspension of the Member or Co-opted
Member. The allowances to which this section refers will be Basic, Special
Responsibility, Travel and Subsistence Allowances but not Dependent Carers’
Allowance.
Pensions
14. (1) The Mayor and all Councillors will, if they are under the age of 75, be
eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme without satisfying
any period of qualification.
(2) Both basic and special responsibility allowances will be treated as
amounts to be pensionable.
Publicity/Accountability
15. (1) Each year the Council shall make and publish by notice its Member
Allowance Scheme in at least one local newspaper.
(2) The Council shall also, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of
the year, make arrangements for publication of the total sum payable to
all Members and Co-opted Members in respect of basic, special
responsibility allowance, travel/subsistence, Co-opted and Dependent
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Carers Allowances. Such publication shall also be placed on the
Council’s website.
(3) Annually, a report shall be prepared for Council and available for public
inspection setting out the work and responsibilities undertaken by those
in receipt of any special responsibility allowance for the previous year.
Amendments to this Scheme
16.
Where an amendment to this scheme results in an increase in any allowance,
payment of it may, if the Council resolution effecting the amendment so
provides, be backdated for a specified period (which may vary for different
amendments), not extending beyond the beginning of the year to which the
scheme applies.
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SCHEDULE 1
Special Responsibility Allowances Elected Members
1.
The Mayor will be paid a special responsibility allowance of £76,194. The
Mayor’s allowance covers all intra-borough travel and subsistence costs and
incidental costs such as home telephone rental costs. This shall be payable
to the Deputy Mayor in the event that the Mayor is incapacitated and as a
result the Deputy Mayor is required to take on the full roles and
responsibilities of the Mayor.
2.
The Councillor appointed by the Mayor to the position of Deputy Mayor will
be paid a special responsibility allowance of £42,755. The Deputy Mayor will
be entitled to the basic allowance paid to all Councillors. No additional
allowances will be paid to the Deputy Mayor in respect of any specific
portfolios allocated by the Mayor from time to time.
3.
The level of special responsibility allowance paid to other Members will either
be as specified in this schedule or in the case of appointments made by the
Mayor by reference to an evaluation of the Job Profile and Portfolio held. All
special responsibility allowances paid will relate to a common table as set out
below:
Band
Points Range
SRA £
1A
0 – 25
3,500
1B
26 – 50
5,000
2A
51 – 75
7,500
2B
76 – 100
10,000
3A
101 – 150
14,000
3B
151 – 200
18,000
4A
201 – 250
22,000
4B
251 – 300
26,000
4C
301 and above
30,000
4.
Appointments made by the Mayor – The Mayor makes four levels of
appointment – Cabinet Member, Executive Advisers, Deputy Executive
Advisers and Lead Community Councillors. Each appointee will receive a
basic special responsibility allowance which will be enhanced by the number
of days the appointee is required to work to deliver the portfolio. The
allowance to be paid will be determined by the number of points awarded to
each portfolio. Each appointment will receive a basic points allowance in
accordance with the following table:
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Position Points
Band
Amount
Community Lead Councillor
25
1A
3,500
Deputy Executive Adviser
50
1B
5,000
Executive Adviser and cabinet Member
100
2B
10,000
5.
The portfolio indicates the number of days required to deliver the portfolio
and for each day 50 points will be added. (For example, a Community Lead
Councillor with 1 day added would be allocated 75 points and receive an
allowance at Band 2A; an Executive Adviser with 4 days added would be
allocated 300 points and receive an allowance at Band 4B.)
6.
To ensure that there is an independent assessment, the proposals in respect
of each portfolio will be evaluated by an officer panel comprising the
Executive Director, Resources (or their nominee), the Head of Human
Resources (or their nominee), an officer from Member Services and an officer
from the Mayor’s Office.
7.
The results of the evaluation of each post shall, subject to budget provision,
be implemented and reported to the next available meeting of the Council for
information. Details will be published on the Council’s website and updated
as appropriate.
8.
Chairs of Committees - The holders of the following positions will receive
the special responsibility allowance stated in the table below:
Band
Office Held
SRA £
3B
Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee
18,000
3A
Chair of Development Control Committee
14,000
2B
Chair of a Scrutiny Commission
10,000
1B
Chair of Licensing (2003 Act) Committee
5,000
1B
Chair of Licensing Sub-Committee (2003 Act)
5,000
1B
Chair of Licensing Committee (other functions)
5,000
1B
Chair of Investment and Accounts Committee
5,000
9.
Political Office Holders - The holders of the following positions will receive
the special responsibility allowance stated in the table below:
Band
Office Held
SRA £
1A
Leader of the Largest Opposition Group
3,500
1A
Majority Group Chief Whip
3,500
1A Majority
Group
Secretary
3,500
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Where the members of the council are divided into more than two political
groups, and the second and third largest political groups are of equal size,
the leaders of both those groups shall receive a Band 1A allowance.
10.
Representatives on External Bodies – The holders of the following
positions on external organisations will receive the following allowances in
addition to any other special responsibility allowance they may receive unless
the organisation has their own allowance scheme in which case no allowance
under the Newham scheme will be paid:
External Body
Special Responsibility
Allowance
London Councils Panel Member
£1000
East London Waste Authority
£1000
Association Public Service Excellence
£1000
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SCHEDULE 2
Co-opted Members (Standing Appointments)
1.
The following allowances will be payable to Co-opted Members holding the
positions specified:
Committee/Sub-Committee/Commission Annual
Allowance
£
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
480
Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission
480
Other Scrutiny Commissions
480
Standards Committee
400
Chair of Standards Committee
800
Persons serving on school admission and exclusion appeals panels
2.
Persons who are not members of the Council serving on school admission
and exclusion appeal panels may be paid at a rate of £40 per day (or part
thereof) as compensation for any financial loss. The day rate will be
reviewed on the 1 April each year and uprated on the same basis as other
payments made under this scheme. The arrangements for reimbursement of
travel, subsistence and carers costs that apply to co-opted members will also
apply to persons serving on school admission and exclusion appeal panels.
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SCHEDULE 3
Travel and Subsistence Allowances
1. What
travel
or
subsistence
is eligible for reimbursement?
The basic allowance paid to all Members (but not the Co-opted Members allowance)
includes all costs relating to in-borough activity. Therefore the Council will not
refund any travelling expenses (by whatever means) or subsistence expenses to
carry out any duty or responsibility as a Member within the borough. However, any
Member foregoing the whole of their basic allowance is entitled to claim intra-
borough travel costs and subsistence expenses up to the maximum of their basic
allowance in any one year. In limited circumstances, Members may claim the
reimbursement of in-borough use of Taxis and the circumstances in which this
could apply are explained in the table in section 3 below.
The Council may only reimburse travel and subsistence costs for approved duties.
An ‘Approved Duty’ may be interpreted to include any duty approved by the Council
for the purpose of, or in connection with, the discharge of any function of the
Council or any of its committees or the Executive. Under Newham’s Scheme, this
would include the following
A. Attendance at a meeting of a joint committee or outside body as the
Council’s representative either appointed by the Mayor, the Council or a
Committee
B. Attendance as part of a deputation authorised by the Mayor, the Council or a
Committee
C. Attendance as a representative of the Council at conferences and seminars
approved by the Mayor and the Chief Executive or their representatives
(including training events)
D. Attendance at meetings of the Secure Accommodation Review Panel held
outside the borough.
E. Attendance at a meeting of any association of authorities of which the
authority is a member.
2.
What can be claimed?
Travel – The Council expects that public transport should be the first option.
Where a Member chooses to use another form of transport, the amount claimed
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may
not exceed the public transport ordinary second class fare unless no public
transport is reasonably available or in cases of urgency.
Subsistence – This allowance is based on the principle that expenditure on
meals/accommodation
has been incurred. Members will be reimbursed the actual
expenditure incurred up to the maximum rates set out in the scheme. All claims
must be supported by receipts or third party documentation.
3. Travel
Allowances
The level of travel reimbursement will depend on the mode of travel as follows:
Mode of Travel
Allowance Available
1. Public Transport
The rate for travel by public transport shall not
exceed the amount of the ordinary fare or any
available cheap fare.
2. A vehicle owned by a The mileage rates for travel by a member’s own
Member
vehicle will be the same as the Officers scheme
and will cover the following types of vehicle:
Motor Car
Motor Cycle
Electrically powered vehicle
Bicycle
3. Self Drive Hired Vehicle The costs of hire will not be reimbursed unless
no public transport is reasonably available or in
cases of urgency where the saving in time can
justify cost. This must be agreed in advance.
The appropriate mileage rate for the type of
vehicle hired will be reimbursed.
4. Taxi/Mini-cabs
The use of taxis or mini-cabs should be kept to a
minimum. They should only be used when
public transport operations in the area visited
are unknown or not reasonably available or in
cases of urgency. In these cases the actual fare
will be reimbursed.
Where public transport is reasonably available
but the Member chooses to use a taxi or mini-
cab, reimbursement will be limited to the public
transport ordinary second class fare.
In limited circumstances, a Member may be
reimbursed for the cost of a taxi within the
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Mode of Travel
Allowance Available
borough. Travel from home to Council offices (or
vice versa) is excluded from this arrangement.
The limited circumstances are:
♦ If there is insufficient time available for a
Member to travel from one approved duty to
another in the borough and the use of other
forms of transport would result in the
Member arriving late to the second approved
duty; and
♦ For reasons of safety
In either of these circumstances a taxi may be
used and the cost of the taxi fare may be
reimbursed subject to a receipt being presented
with the claim form.
5. Air Travel
The rate of travel by air shall not exceed the
rate applicable to travel by ordinary public
transport together with any saving in
subsistence allowance consequent on travel by
air. If the saving in time is so substantial as to
justify payment of the fare for travel by air, the
fare actually paid by the member shall be
reimbursed.
4. Subsistence
Allowances
The basic criteria for the payment of a subsistence allowance are that a Member
should be fairly compensated for any additional expenditure incurred when they are
carrying out an ‘approved duty’. Subsistence covers meals, accommodation and
general out of pocket expenses. The allowance is based on the principle that
expenditure has been incurred and claims are supported by receipts or third party
documentation. Members will be reimbursed the actual expenditure incurred up to
the maximum rates set out below:
Type of Expenditure
Available Allowance and Eligibility Criteria
Out of Pocket
Reasonable out of pocket expenses to cover all meals
Expenses (Meals)
taken whilst on approved duties. The level of
reimbursement will be the actual cost of the meals
(excluding alcohol) up to a maximum daily rate of
£28.00p. Out of pocket expenses will not be paid
where time spent on the approved duty is less than 4
12
hours.
Reasonable out of pocket expenses to cover hotel
Overnight absence
costs whilst on approved duties. The level of
(Accommodation)
reimbursement will be the actual cost of the hotel
accommodation to a maximum rate of £112.00p per
night. This upper limit may be relaxed if the average
cost of available hotel accommodation operating in
the area is higher. Where the Member is part of a
Council delegation staying in the same hotel, the
actual cost of the accommodation will be reimbursed.
Accommodation costs will not be paid where time
spent on the approved duty is less than 15 hours
unless return travel to home is not available or
unreasonable.
5.
Making Claims
The process for making claims is set out in the Member Allowance Guidance Booklet
and on the claim form. The procedure is determined by the Chief Executive and
Executive Director – Resources and may be varied from time to time to have regard
to audit advice and good financial practice. Claims must be made within 6 months.
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SCHEDULE 4
Childcare and Dependant Carers’ Allowances
The duties for which these allowances are payable include:
A meeting of the Executive
A meeting of a committee of the executive
A meeting of the authority
A meeting of a committee or sub-committee of the authority
A meeting of any other body to which the authority makes appointments or
nominations, or
A meeting of a committee or sub-committee of any other body to which the
authority makes appointments or nominations
A meeting which has both been authorised by the authority, a committee or
sub-committee of the authority or a joint committee of the authority and one or
more other authorities, or a sub-committee of a joint committee and to which
representatives of more than one political group have been invited (if the
authority is divided into several political groups) or to which two or more
Councillors have been invited (if the authority is not divided into political groups)
A meeting of a local authority association of which the authority is a member
Duties undertaken on behalf of the authority in pursuance of any standing order
made under section 135 of the Local Government Act 1972 requiring a member
or members to be present while tender documents are opened
Duties undertaken on behalf of the authority in connection with the discharge of
any function of the authority conferred by or under any enactment and
empowering or requiring the authority to inspect or authorise the inspection of
premises
Duties undertaken on behalf of the authority in connection with arrangements
made by the authority for the attendance of pupils at a school approved for the
purposes of section 342 of the Education Act 1996.
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Schedule 5
Job Profiles
1. Job Profile - Councillor
Basic Allowance
Job Purpose:
To participate in the good governance of the area
To represent effectively the interests of the ward and
To contribute actively to the formation and scrutiny of the authority’s policies,
budget, strategies and service delivery.
Key Accountabilities:
1.
To fulfil the statutory and locally determined requirements of an elected
member of a local authority and the authority itself, including compliance
with all relevant codes of conduct, and participation in those decisions and
activities reserved to the full Council/Assembly (e.g. setting budget, overall
priorities, strategy). To attend all meetings of full council.
2.
To participate effectively as a member of any committee or panel which the
Councillor is appointed, included related responsibilities for the services
falling with the committee’s/panel’s terms of reference, human resource
issues, staff appointments, and liaison with other public bodies to promote
better understanding and partnership working.
3.
To regularly attend and participate at Community Forum meetings and
events.
4.
To attend and participate in all Influential Councillor consultation meetings.
5.
To ensure that information received from council officers for consultation is
disseminated to all ward colleagues.
6.
To work with the relevant Lead Member and colleagues to (a) consult with
the community and (b) participate in the area and service based consultative
processes and resolve local issues where appropriate.
7.
To effectively represent the interests of their ward and their constituents
through a thorough knowledge of the locality.
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8.
To be aware of local meetings, such as Tenant and Resident Associations,
and arrange attendance where needed.
9.
To represent the authority to the community, and the community to the
authority through the various forums available.
10.
To participate in the activities of an outside body, to which the Councillor is
appointed, proving two-way communication between the organisations. Also
to develop and maintain a working knowledge of the authority’s policies and
practices in relation to that body and of the community’s needs and
aspirations in respect of that body’s role and functions.
11.
To participate in the scrutiny or performance review of the services of the
authority including, the scrutiny of policies and budget, and their
effectiveness to achieving the strategic objectives of the authority.
12.
To develop and maintain a working knowledge of the authority’s services,
management arrangements, powers/duties, constraints, and to develop good
working relations with relevant officers of the authority
13.
To actively participate in case work or member surgeries to address your
constituents’ problems effectively.
14.
To develop and maintain a working knowledge of the organisations, services,
activities and other factors, which impact upon the community’s well being
and identity.
15.
To contribute constructively to open government and democratic renewal
through active encouragement of the community to participate generally in
the government of the area.
16.
To participate in the activities of any political group of which the Councillor is
a member.
17. To participate in any member development activities organised by the
authority to improve your activities as an effective Councillor.
2. Job Profile - Political Posts
(a)
Majority Group Secretary
(b)
Majority Group Chief Whip
(c)
Leader of largest Opposition Group
Job Purpose:
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1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative, together with any one or more of the following additional
functions:
2.
To act as Group Secretary of the Majority Group on the Council.
3. To act as the Chief Whip assisting the business of the Council through the
work of the Majority Group.
4.
To lead the largest Opposition Group on the Council.
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
Majority Group Secretary
1. To undertake such duties for the Majority Group on the Council as are required
in the administration of the Group's business.
Majority Group Chief Whip
1. To facilitate the business of the Council on behalf of the Majority Group by
coordinating the timing of decision making, resolving scheduling problems,
liaising with officers and other political groups as appropriate.
Leader of largest Opposition Group
1.
To lead of the largest opposition group
2.
To lead the formal Opposition on the Council
3. To act as spokesperson for the largest opposition group in terms of political
scrutiny of the Mayor’s administration of the authority.
4 To co-ordinate the participation of the largest Opposition Group in the
business of the Council's committees by organising that Group's members,
liaising with officers and other political groups as appropriate.
3. Job Profile - Chair of the Development Control Committee
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
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2. To take responsibility for and to lead on the development control function of
the Council
3.
To chair the Development Control Committee.
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1. To take responsibility for and to lead on the development control function of
the Council and to Chair the Development Control Committee
2.
To develop a clear understanding of the terms of reference of the committee,
the scope and range of the development control function
3.
To provide strong, fair leadership and clear political guidance to members and
officers.
4.
To ensure the delivery of best value, continuous improvement and
implementation of best practice.
5.
To attend all Development Control Committee meetings.
6.
To be responsible for liaison with chief officers responsible for services that fall
under the committee’s terms of reference.
4. Job Profile - Chair of Licensing Committee (existing functions)
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative and to lead the work of the Licensing Committee.
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1.
To lead the work of the Licensing Committee.
2.
To Chair the Committee, including:
(a) working with officers to determine a programme of work, of performance
reviews and or of reporting to the parent committee; and
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(b) representing the function within and outside the authority as necessary to
enable it to deliver its objectives within budget and in a cost-effective
way.
3.
To attend all Licensing Committee meetings.
5. Job Profile - Chair of the Licensing (2003 Act) Committee
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
2. To take responsibility for and to lead on those licensing functions of the
Council which fall within the remit of the Licensing Act 2003.
3.
To chair the Licensing Committee.
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1.
To take responsibility for and to lead on the licensing function of the Council
which falls within the remit of the Licensing Act 2003 and to Chair of the
Licensing Committee
2.
To develop a clear understanding of the terms of reference of the committee,
the scope and range of the licensing function within the remit of the Licensing
Act 2003.
3.
To provide strong, fair leadership and clear political guidance to members and
officers.
4.
To represent the function within and outside the authority as necessary to
enable it to deliver its objectives in a cost-effective way
5.
To review, challenge and question implementation of agreed policy and service
delivery and to make recommendations to the Council to improve policy,
performance and service delivery.
6.
To ensure the delivery of best value, continuous improvement and
implementation of best practice.
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7.
To attend all Licensing Committee meetings
8.
To be responsible for liaison with chief officers responsible for services that fall
under the committee’s terms of reference.
6. Job Profile - Chair of a Licensing Sub-Committee (Licensing Act 2003)
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
2.
To chair meetings of a Licensing Sub-Committee, as and when required.
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1. To develop a clear understanding of the terms of reference of the Sub-
Committee, the scope and range of the licensing function as it relates to the
Licensing Act 2003.
2. To provide strong, fair leadership and clear political guidance to members and
officers.
3.
To ensure the delivery of best value, continuous improvement and
implementation of best practice.
4. To attend all Licensing (2003 Act) Committee meetings and Licensing Sub-
Committees as required.
7. Job Profile - Community Lead Councillor
Appointed By:
Executive Appointment to outside body
Job Purpose:
1.
To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
2.
To act as Lead Member for a Community Forum–:
• understanding views, needs and trends in service provision across the CF
area, representing those to senior members and the Council; and
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• providing information to residents within the CF area on council
developments and initiatives.
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1.
To undertake the lead role on a Community Forum area allocated by the
Mayor
Representing the Mayor
2.
To articulate the Mayor’s priorities for the area covered by the Community
Forum.
3.
To represent the Mayor at events, in the community and with other
organisations in relation to the area covered by the Community Forum
Influential Councillor Scheme
4.
To attend regular meetings with the Mayoral Advisor responsible for the
Influential Councillor Scheme
5.
To attend the quarterly Influential Councillor consultation meetings and to
meet regularly with Members in the community forum area to discuss and
resolve local issues
6.
To work with councillors in the forum area to develop appropriate local links
with schools, tenants groups and other local groups to ensure that they
properly and effectively engage with the Council
7.
To work with local people to improve local communities and community
relations
8.
To feedback to the Mayor on the delivery of Council and other services in the
Community Forum area
9.
Work with colleagues to lead on service reviews and local area-based
projects to address local issues that can be implemented as a team with
definable goals and measurable achievements, projects should have in mind
the overall objective of the council/corporate plan
10.
Working with other Members in the Community Forum area to develop and
implement strategies to communicate to residents e.g. Newham Magazine,
Council Web-site, Ward Surgery leaflets and other promotional material
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11.
To work with the community on proposed major developments in the area, for
example regeneration proposals and to consider and propose environmental
projects that will benefit and enhance the Community Forum area
12.
To encourage and promote good citizenship
13.
To undertake special projects as directed by the Mayor.
Consultation
14.
To ensure local councillors are properly consulted under Influential Councillor
protocols and ensure information is disseminated to local members
15.
Working with Officers, members and other agencies to assist them in
developing mechanisms and strategies for consulting with and involving local
people in decisions that affect them.
16.
To take a leading role in co-ordinating the views of residents, local
Councillors and businesses on local or borough-wide issues to feed back to
officers, the Mayor and Cabinet
Community forums
17.
To take a lead role at Community Forum meetings and regularly update the
meeting what is going on in their area through e.g. attending steering groups,
meetings, events and Community Board meetings and Away Days
18.
To work with the Community Forum Steering Group to ensure that organised
events in the area are relevant and professionally organised and delivered.
19.
Become familiar with the priorities for your area as outlined in the
neighbourhood action plans and take an active role at meetings to ensure its
delivery
8.
Job Profile - Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Job Profile - Chairs of Scrutiny Commissions
Job Purpose
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
Scrutiny Commission Chairs
1. To take responsibility for and to lead on the scrutiny of review areas allocated
by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. To chair a Scrutiny Commission
responsible for the review area
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2. To take responsibility for programming and direction of individual reviews, the
employment of professional experts, where appropriate, and the assembly and
presentation (to the Council or Executive) of reports (including minority
opinions, where necessary).
3. To serve on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and contribute to its work
and the overall scrutiny function.
4. To serve on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's Budget Working Party and
contribute to scrutiny of the Mayor's budget proposals
5. To ensure that the resources allocated to their own commissions are used
effectively
6. To represent and promote the scrutiny function to internal and external bodies.
Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
7. To lead the Scrutiny function of the authority, with specific responsibility for the
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Deputy Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee
8. To perform any or all of the duties of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee in his/her absence
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1. Within the allocated review area to undertake the following:
(a) To lead an aspect of the scrutiny function and to chair Scrutiny
Commissions as allocated by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee,
and act as the Council's spokesperson for those commissions;
(b) To develop a clear understanding of the terms of reference of their
commissions, and the scope and range of the services of the area
under review.
(c) To provide strong, fair leadership and clear political guidance to
members and officers.
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(d) To propose to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee a programme of
work devised in consultation with senior management and to achieve a
balance of service interests, in respect of each allocated commission.
(e) To lead on scrutiny reviews, and to own and present the resulting
reports to all internal and external bodies and representatives
(f) To negotiate with and consult key decision-makers in preparing final
scrutiny reports and influence them to successfully implement resulting
recommendations
(g) to propose arrangements for the involvement of all sections of the
community as appropriate, and other non-council representatives and
witnesses, in scrutiny activity
(h) to take the work of their Commission outside the Town Hall and into
the community as appropriate, at times and places to suit the
community, including daytime activity where required.
(i) To review, challenge and question the implementation of agreed
policy, performance and service delivery, and make recommendations
to the executive and council to improve policy, performance and
service delivery.
(j) To ensure the delivery of best value, continuous improvement and
implementation of best practice.
(k) To agree all agendas for scrutiny commission meetings, and take a
lead in developing a forward agenda and ensuring it is adhered to.
(l) To meet on a regular basis and consult with relevant Cabinet Members
and/or Mayoral Advisor(s) to advise them on progress in the work of
their Scrutiny Commissions, and discuss issues arising from scrutiny
reviews, and how these will be addressed
(m) To attend all meetings of their commissions.
(n) To enable and encourage all Scrutiny Commission members to play a
full part in the scrutiny process
(o) To be responsible for liaison with chief officers responsible for services
that fall under the commission’s terms of reference.
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(p) To ensure that issues of equality and social inclusion are addressed by
each commission
(q) To promote and use the Council's 'power of wellbeing' in scrutinising
the activities and performance of external bodies whose operations
affect the lives of Newham's residents
(r)
To ensure that all recommendations of a commission report are SMART
(s) To monitor the implementation over time of those of their
Commissions' recommendations adopted by the Mayor
2. To attend all meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and to fully
participate in its work
Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee only - Additional Duties
3. To lead the scrutiny function of the Council and to chair the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee.
4. To provide strong, fair leadership and clear political guidance to members and
officers.
5. To propose to the Council a programme of work devised in consultation with
senior management, to achieve a balance of service interests and to achieve
broad coverage across all services over time
6. To produce and present an annual report to Council on the work of the scrutiny
function.
7. To act as the Council’s spokesperson for the overall scrutiny function.
8. To represent the Council's scrutiny function at local, regional and national level.
9. To liaise with the executive to ensure that the work of scrutiny contributes to
the aims and vision of the Council, and that the executive and scrutiny respect
each other's roles and responsibilities
9. Job Profile - Cabinet/Mayoral Adviser
Appointed By: Mayor
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
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2.
To undertake duties and responsibilities allocated by the Mayor
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor, responsibility for a combination of the key accountabilities
described below, detailed in a portfolio job description and evaluated by
the method set out in Schedule 1 of the Member Allowance Scheme.
Each Portfolio Job Description will be drawn up to include a combination of one or
more of the following:
1.
Responsible for a major crosscutting portfolio with a significant volume of
local public interest and a high degree of change
and/or
2.
Responsible for a major service area
or
3.
To take responsibility for a focused portfolio or for developing local links as
an ambassador for the Mayor
and/or
4.
To represent the Mayor in the community and with other organisations in
relation to the portfolio areas allocated.
or
5.
Responsible for a small portfolio area
or
6.
Responsible for a small service area
and/or
7.
Lead Adviser for special project
8.
Within the allocated portfolio area to undertake one or more of the following
as appropriate:
(a) To represent and promote Newham Council by playing a major
role on a strategic local government or other body.
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(b) To develop a clear understanding of the portfolio area and the
scope and range of the services within it.
(c) To provide strong, fair leadership and clear political guidance to
the Mayor and officers.
(d) To propose and lead on new policy, strategy, programming and
service standards, performance reviews and to take such
executive action as may be delegated by the Mayor.
(e) To oversee the implementation of policies, working with senior
officers
(f) To ensure appropriate consultation programmes are developed for
these areas of responsibility to involve local people and
communities in the decisions of the council as fully as possible.
(g) To act as spokesperson within and outside the authority for the
portfolio area. To represent the Council in the community, at
events and other organisations in relation to the portfolio areas
and regularly report back to the Mayor on progress.
(h) To work in partnership with the local strategic partnership and its
boards and ensure any joint policies are implemented. To ensure
that Community Forum Lead Members are kept informed of
aspects of the portfolio of relevance to their community forum
area.
(i) To participate in the activities of a key outside body where
appointed.
(j) To ensure that the relevant scrutiny committees are consulted on
relevant policy framework documents
(k) To respond within an agreed timescale to the recommendations of
a Scrutiny Commission, setting out what action is proposed, if
any, and giving full reasons for decisions taken. To liaise with the
relevant scrutiny chair on matters within the portfolio.
(l) To ensure that the Mayor/relevant scrutiny chair is informed of
any significant issues arising within the portfolio areas, for
example those that may result in a change to established policy,
have major resource implications or be contentious or politically
sensitive.
9.
To ensure individually and collectively that council policy is developed and
implemented.
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10.
If a member of Cabinet, to participate and attend all meetings
11. To attend all ‘front bench’, Strategy and Performance and other meetings
arranged by the Mayor.
12. To represent the Mayor at events relevant to the allocated portfolio area and
regularly report back to the Mayor on progress.
13.
To undertake projects as directed by the Mayor.
10. Job Profile - Chair of Investment and Accounts Committee
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
2.
To chair the Investment and Accounts Committee
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1.
To develop a clear understanding of the terms of reference of the committee
and the scope of the committee’s functions
2.
To Chair and attend all meetings of the Investment and Accounts Committee
and any consultative forum(s) established by the Fund and to ensure that
reports of the meetings of these bodies are reported, where appropriate to
sponsoring organisations.
3.
To act impartially in the best interests of the stakeholders of the Pension Fund
4. To check that arrangements are put into place that ensures that the fund
complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements and to see that those
arrangements are reviewed from time to time.
5. To check that arrangements are put into place that ensures that the fund
complies with all relevant Codes of Best Practice.
6. To ensure that the training needs of Trustees and Fund officials are properly
identified and that there is a training plan designed to meet those needs.
7.
To work with officers to ensure that:
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• the Trustees or Quasi Trustees in the case of an LGPS fund have available
to them advice from appropriately experienced persons in respect of all
matters that affect the fund
• due consideration is given to the adoption and periodic review of an
investment policy for the fund, taking account of the liabilities of the fund
and the interests of those that contribute to, or benefit, now or in the
future, from, the fund.
• proper arrangements are made for safekeeping and management of the
assets of the fund
• there are proper arrangements made to review on a regular basis the
arrangements made to keep and manage the assets of the fund
• there are adequate resources available to administer and manage the
Pension Fund and to supervise external third parties engaged to provide
services to the fund.
• a comprehensive strategy for communication with the fund’s stakeholders
the actions of the Investment and Accounts Committee and those of the
fund’s administrators.
8. To sign the annual statement of accounts in accordance with the relevant
Accounts and Audit Regulations (made from time to time) following approval
of the statement of accounts by the Committee.
11. Job Profile - Civic Ambassador and Chair of Council
Job Profile - Deputy Civic Ambassador and Deputy Chair of Council
Allowance: Band 2A (Chair)
Band 1A (Deputy Chair)
Job Purpose:
Chair:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative.
2.
To undertake the role and responsibilities of Chair of the Council and chair
Council meetings
3.
To lead the Council on civic and ceremonial matters.
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4. To carry out their civic and ceremonial responsibilities in consultation with the
Committee on Civic Affairs.
Deputy Chair:
5. The Deputy Chair will undertake the duties of Chair of the Council in the
absence of the Chair and will carry out their civic and ceremonial duties at the
direction of the Chair and in consultation with the Committee on Civic Affairs.
Key responsibilities
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor:
1. To chair meetings of the Council with fairness and equality having regard to the
Council’s standing orders and rules of debate.
2. To preside over civic functions, including host the annual civic service and the
reception following the annual meeting
3. To act a good ambassador of the Council in promoting the London Borough of
Newham and the Council's aims including its Vision.
4. To promote good causes. To promote, raise the profile and gain publicity for
projects and events that are for good charitable or voluntary nature that benefit
the residents of Newham, particularly smaller organisations.
5. To raise funds for the Benevolent Fund, and to recommend to the Committee on
Civic Affairs a charity suitable for fund raising that will benefit the residents of
Newham.
6. In consultation with the Committee on Civic Affairs, to promote Newham’s Civic
Awards Scheme for Outstanding Citizenship and Bravery.
7. In consultation with the Mayor, to represent the Council at events. Any
international visits should promote the Council’s aims or any international
strategies, subject to the approval of the Committee on Civic Affairs.
8. To encourage citizenship and participation.
9. With the Mayor, to support the borough’s Remembrance Services.
10.To work with the Committee on Civic Affairs to ensure the civic programme
meets the portfolio objectives.
11.To produce an annual report to the Committee on Civic Affairs on the civic year.
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12.The Deputy Civic Ambassador of the Council will undertake a similar role as the
Civic Ambassador and they will work together in developing a programme that
would successfully fulfil the above roles.
13.To observe civic protocols when undertaking the civic and ceremonial role.
12 Job Profile – Deputy Mayor
Appointed By: Mayor
Job Purpose:
1. To meet the basic responsibilities of a Councillor as a community
representative
2.
To act as Deputy Mayor
3.
To undertake duties and responsibilities allocated by the Mayor
Key Accountabilities:
In addition to carrying out the functions set out in the job description for a
Councillor and the job description of a Cabinet Member together with any
detailed portfolio responsibility allocated by the Mayor, the following:
1.
To undertake the full range of functions of the Mayor if for any reason the
Mayor is unable to act.
2.
To act in place of the Mayor where circumstances pertain that prevents the
Mayor from acting due to personal or prejudicial interests in a matter
3.
To be Deputy Chair of Cabinet
4.
Responsibility for a major crosscutting portfolio with a significant community
focus
5.
To develop high profile links as an ambassador for the Mayor and to
represent the Mayor and promote Newham by playing a major role on a
strategic local government or other body.
6.
To represent the Mayor at a local, regional, national or international level
7.
To represent the Mayor in the community and with other organisations
8.
To lead on democratic renewal
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Document Outline
