2016-04-05 Post Election Meeting Agenda

POST ELECTION MEETING AGENDA                                                                5 APRIL 2016



3                        COUNCILLORS' EXPENSES AND REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
DOCUMENT INFORM AT ION




Author                                Governance Advisor, Paul Bright
                                      Executive Office

Index                                 ECM/ Subject/ Corporate Governance

Attachments                           1.   Councillors’ Expenses and Reimbursement Policy


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Governance Advisor to the Post Election Meeting dated 5
April 2016 and adopt the updated Councillors’ Expenses and Reimbursement Policy provided at
Attachment 1.


REPORT
1.                       Background

Pursuant to section 250 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 (LGR), a local government
has the power to, and must adopt an expenses reimbursement policy.

Section 249 of the LGR defines an ‘expenses reimbursement policy’ as a policy providing for the
following:
(a) Payment of reasonable expenses incurred, or to be incurred, by Councillors for discharging
      their duties and responsibilities as Councillors;
(b) Provision of facilities to Councillors for that purpose.

The policy provided at Attachment 1 is an updated version of the Councillors Expenses and
Reimbursement Policy adopted by the previous Council on 2 January 2014. It is a requirement of
the current policy that this policy be reviewed within six months of each quadrennial election.

2.                       The Policy

It is fair and appropriate that Councillors are reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred
whilst undertaking Council business and that they are provided with adequate facilities necessary
to perform their Council duties.

The purpose of the policy is to ensure accountability and transparency by setting the parameters
to authorise payment of reasonable expenses incurred, or to be incurred by Councillors; and
outline the provision of facilities to be provided to assist Councillors in discharging their duties
and responsibilities.

Council has a broad discretion when determining the nature and scope of support facilities to be
provided under this policy. However, it must ensure that the allocation of expenses and facilities
provided is aligned to community expectations and do not constitute additional remuneration to
that which is set by the Local Government Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal.


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