Monday September 2nd 2024
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Scottish Borders Council has endorsed salary uplifts for its senior elected members amid a shake-up of its executive committee.
A new scheme of remuneration was approved at meeting of SBC on Thursday, August 29.
Salaries agreed range from the payment of £42,698 to Councillor Euan Jardine, as leader of SBC, to £23,272 for the chair of Scrutiny, Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol.
Payments to councillors are governed by The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration).
The regulations specify that, in addition to the convener and the leader of the council, SBC may appoint a maximum of 14 ‘senior councillors’ to positions of responsibility.
The regulations then provide that the total allowed budget for senior councillors (excluding the convener and leader) is a maximum of £373,576.
The total amount agreed at full council last week was £6 less than that amount – £373,570.
Councillors were informed that the revised scheme of remuneration was drawn up to “recognise the differing significance of what is involved in each role and changes required to portfolios two years into the current administration”.
A motion to full council stated: “We propose that executive members are aligned to the operating model that was agreed unanimously by this council on 29 March 2024.
“This would mean that each director would be assigned an executive member to work with, ensuring best value for the people of the Scottish Borders.
“Each executive member should be given uplift. The post of convener of licensing has been added to bring SBC in line with other local authorities, and in recognising its quasi judicial standing.”
An cost-saving amendment to the motion from the SNP opposition to reduce the number of senior councillors was defeated by 20 to 12, with two abstentions.
A further motion from Conservative council leader Mr Jardine changing the remit and titles of senior councillor posts was approved.
Appointments include deputy leader Councillor Scott Hamilton as portfolio holder for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders.
Hawick councillor Jane Cox takes on a senior role as portfolio holder for People, Governance and Change.
Meanwhile, former council leader Councillor Mark Rowley, latterly executive member for Service Delivery & Transformation, has left that role.
The resultant salary structure is as follows:
Leader – £42,698
Convener – £32,024
Executive member for Health, Social Care and adult social work – £30,528
Executive member for Education & Children Services – £30,538
Executive member for Infrastructure & Environment -£30,538
Executive member for Resilient Communities – £30,538
Executive member for Finance – £30,538
Executive member for Corporate Governance – £30,538
Executive member for People, Performance & Change – £30,538
Chair of Audit – £23,272
Convener of Licensing – £23,272
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