The Democratic Services Manager presented the report and summarised the points for the committee.

The Chairperson and other members discussed their concerns about the contents of the report, particularly in relation to the proposed increase in pay for Members and the impression this might leave with their constituents in light of the cost of living crisis.

RESOLVED : The Committee noted the report and appendices.

                       The Committee agreed to provide the following response in respect of the IRPW Draft Annual Report 2023-2024.  to the IRPW and WLGA to be submitted by the 1^st December 2022:

‘The Committee recognise that given the cost-of-living crisis and the undeniable difficulties that many people in the County Borough are experiencing at the moment and likely to in the near future, it appears somewhat inappropriate to have pay rises for Elected Members for 2023-2024.  However, it is also accepted that personal circumstances of Members need to be considered and therefore it should be a personal matter for Members to determine themselves whether or not they accept the pay rise or make the choice to opt-out.’