Issue - meetings

The Acting Chief Finance Officer presented the report.

Councillor Bonavia asked what impact the current corona virus crisis is having

on pay for next year. He also asked about current negotiations. The Acting

Chief Finance Officer said that the current pay negotiations were continuing.

The LGA lead on these negotiations and the last update was in mid May. The

union’s original demand was for a 10% increase for all staff but this was

rejected. The next proposal was for a 2% rise and this was the current

position as published this morning by the LGA.

Councillor Best asked about the financial position of the Council at the

moment. She asked whether central government are meeting their

guarantees with regard to meeting the pay awards and any other future

demands that this Council could face. She said that this Council always

honours the pay settlements and she asked whether central government are

giving us guarantees. The Acting Chief Finance Officer said that a guarantee

is never given in that money is hypothecated to salaries.  Within the funding

settlement this Council will set the budget for the year.  This Council is

receiving additional costs for the covid response. It is not expected to cover

the full costs and discussions continue because the situation is dynamic. To

date this Council has received £20m from the government towards costs.

RESOLVED that the Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21 as attached at

Appendix 1 to the report be agreed.