§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to review the(a) allowances, (b) special responsibility payments, (c) travelling allowances, (d) subsistence rates and (e) other allowances payable to elected members of (i) regional, (ii) district and (iii) unitary authorities; how any changes will extend to civic heads, deputy civic heads, majority leaders, deputy majority leaders, majority group officers, committee chairpersons, committee vice-chairpersons, minority leaders and those with special responsibility in minority parties; and if he will make a statement. [28525]
§ Mr. KynochThe annual uprating of allowances for members of existing regional and district councils has been carried out and implemented by the Local Authorities etc (Allowances) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1995. Allowances for members of the new unitary authorities are set down in the Local Authorities etc (Allowances) (Scotland) Regulations 1995.
Local authorities already have discretion to determine the amounts paid to chairmen and vice-chairmen. This principle is retained for conveners and depute conveners of the new councils. The new councils will also have discretion to determine the level of special responsibility allowance. The obligation upon authorities to pay special responsibility allowance to at least one member of a minority group is retained. Guidance on suggested levels of special responsibility has been issued by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
Travel and subsistence allowances have been revised and, where possible, aligned with the rates available for officials. The revised rates came into effect from 1 April 1994.