Additional information about members' allowances

Forgoing allowances

A member may, by notice in writing given to the Director of Customer and Support Services, elect to forgo his/her entitlement, or any part of his/her entitlement, to allowances.

Taxation and National Insurance

For the purposes of applying Tax and National Insurance regulations Members will be treated as though they were employees. All allowances paid to Members will be subject to PAYE Tax and National Insurance where earnings are sufficient. Members exempt from paying National Insurance should ensure that payroll is provided with the appropriate exemption card. Actual expenses reimbursed to members, with the exception of mileage payments, reimbursed to members are made Tax and National Insurance free.

Sick pay

Members are entitled to statutory sick pay and should notify the council's payroll team when they are unable to undertake their duties due to sickness.

Pensions

Members can apply to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. This option is available to all members under the age of 70. Pension contributions are payable at a rate of 6% of the basic and special Responsibilities allowances. Details of the scheme costs and benefits are available to members along with the relevant application forms.