Contact: David Hinxman, extn. 7330

1. Introduction

1.1 It is necessary to review the list of duties specified as "approved duties" for the purposes of the payment of travelling expenses (and when appropriate overnight subsistence) to members for implementation from 1 September 2001 in order to coincide with the implementation of the new Executive arrangements.

1.2 The scheme of "approved duties" is attached with proposed amendments shown in bold type. The fundamental principles of the current system remain in place. The material alterations are as follows:

2. Attendance at meetings of residents associations

2.1 Given the increasing emphasis on the representative role of members it is suggested that, when a formally recognised residents association invites the

local County Councillor to its meetings, attendance should qualify for travelling expenses as it does now when an invitation is extended by a parish council or district council to the local member formally as a representative of the County Council.

3. Non-County Councillors appointed to outside bodies

3.1 It is suggested that where the County Council has appointed an individual to represent it on an outside body then it is reasonable to pay the travelling expenses incurred by those individuals in acting on the County Council's behalf. The main commitment arises from former Councillor Keep's appointment to represent the County Council on the Southern Tourist Board whose meetings can be held throughout its area. The cost could be in the region of £150 given 4 meetings a year which can be met from within the existing budget.

4. Attendance at conferences

Authority to attend conferences etc., has hitherto been required from committee, or in urgent cases, the Chief Executive has agreed arrangements under delegated powers and reported to the next available meeting of the appropriate committee. From 1 September it is suggested that all conference attendances etc., be authorised by the Chief Executive after consultation with the Leader or other appropriate Executive Member and that the Chief Executive report quarterly to the Executive on the action he has taken.

RECOMMENDATIONS

i) That the revised scheme of approved duties for the purpose of paying travelling expenses (and overnight subsistence when appropriate) be approved for implementation with effect from 1 September 2001 including payments to non-County Councillors appointed to represent the County Council on outside organisations.


ii) That the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council or other appropriate Executive Member, be authorised to approve members' attendances at conferences and seminars and that quarterly reports be made to the Executive on action taken.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclosure exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

5KR19701