Appointment of Panel Members

Test Valley Borough Council wishes to appoint 2 independent Panel Members to advise and assist in matters relating to Councillors’ allowances.  The appointment will be for 4 years and your attendance will be required for 2 days, being the 6th and 7th of November. You may be asked to attend other panel meetings throughout the period on an ad hoc basis.  A payment of £250 per day will be paid when the Panel meet.

Background Information:

As from 1st May, 2003, the Members’ Allowances Code is subject to the amendments made to section 18 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as amended by section 99 of the Local Government Act 2000, by section 100 of the 2000 Act and the Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003.

It makes provision in relation to basic, special responsibility and childcare and dependants’ carers’ allowances for members of local authorities.

In accordance with relevant legislative requirements, the Council is required to establish a statutory Independent Remuneration Panel.  This Panel provides the Council with advice on its Members’ Allowances Scheme and the nature and level of allowances to be paid.

Skills and Competencies:

As well as being a resident of Test Valley, or someone with very close links to the area, some of the key skills which are considered important to carry out the work of the Panel are set out below.  This includes the ability to:

  • Read and assess information and identify key points/issues.
  • Listen to and assess information and identify key points and issues.
  • Ask questions in order to obtain information and open up discussion.
  • Analyse information and use it to form opinions and conclusions.
  • Work as part of a team.
  • Communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

It would be helpful (but not essential) if you have an understanding of

Local government:

  • The functions of/and how the Council works.
  • The roles of councillors.
  • The regulations and guidance which apply to members’ allowances.

The Council will provide some training in order to help you to develop the skills required.

Eligibility:

A person cannot be appointed as an independent Panel Member if they are:

  • a Borough Councillor, co-opted member or officer of the Council;
  • a Town/Parish Councillor, co-opted member, or officer of a Town/Parish Council within the Borough;
  • a relative, or close friend of any of the above; or
  • associated with a particular political party.

To obtain further details and an application form, contact Karen Dunn, Head of Legal and Democratic Services (01264 368401 or kdunn@testvalley.gov.uk) or Emma Silverton, Democratic Services Manager (01264 368001 or esilverton@testvalley.gov.uk) or by writing to Test Valley Borough Council, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AJ. 

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 25 of September and interviews will take place on Friday, 11 of October 2024.