New panel is sought

Anyone who lives or works in the district can apply to jojn the council’s independent remuneration panel.

This recommends the amount of allowances each councillor should receive. The opinion must be taken into account when the council looks at its renumeration scheme.

Cll Barbara Oakley, the chairman of the council’s audit and governance committee, said: “The way our members are reimbursed for public service is of interest to many. We want this process to be an open one.”

The panel should have three to five members. The next review in which they will be involved will be later this year. They receive £50 a meeting plus travelling expenses for about five to ten hours a month.

More details from Liz Futcher on 01903 737610 by August 30.