Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

Council considered the Pay Policy report which informed Members of the Annual Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 so that it could be agreed and published to allow the Council to comply with legislative requirements.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster commended the Pay Policy which included changes for apprentices and South Ribble becoming a Living Wage Employer. It was explained that the changes will ensure that with effect from 1 April 2020, an apprentice will receive the National Minimum Wage for the upper age band of 25 and over, regardless of the age of the apprentice (currently £8.72 per hour). Subject to satisfactory performance in the workplace and satisfactory progress on qualification, the apprentice will move onto the Living Wage hourly rate for the second year of the apprenticeship.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington and subsequently

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That Council approve the Pay Policy Statement 2020/21.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That Cabinet approves the Pay Policy Statement 2020/21 to be approved by Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster presented the report of the Interim Chief Executive which informed the Cabinet of the Annual Pay Policy Statement so that it can be agreed and published to allow the Council to comply with legislative requirements.

The Pay Policy sets out the current approach to the remuneration of all posts within the Council and specifies certain mandatory requirements that must be detailed within the policy.

The Cabinet commended the policy under the council’s commitment as a Real Living Wage employer, in particular, the changes for apprentices. The changes will ensure that with effect from 1 April 2020, an apprentice will receive the National Minimum Wage for the upper age band of 25 and over, regardless of the age of the apprentice (currently £8.72 per hour). Subject to satisfactory performance in the workplace and satisfactory progress on qualification, the apprentice will move onto the Living Wage hourly rate for the second year of the apprenticeship.

Councillor Aniela Bylinski-Gelder, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Social Justice and Wealth Building asked for confirmation on whether leisure centre staff and refuse collectors/loaders were included within this policy. The Leader of the Council confirmed that Leisure Centre and FCC Environment staff would be considered in Phase 2.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That Cabinet approves the Pay Policy Statement 2020/21 to be approved by

Council.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The Localism Act 2011 requires all local authorities to set out their position on a range of issues relating to the remuneration of its employees. The Policy must be approved by the Council in open forum, by the end of March each year and then be published on its website.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

N/A - The Pay Policy must be agreed and published annually.