A statutory framework governs members' allowances which are reviewed and set by the independent remuneration panel, which makes recommendations to Council about the scheme and the amounts to be paid.These recommendations are based on the panel's analysis of the changing demands and pressures of members' workloads, and linked to comparisons with other councils in England.
Basic allowance
Each Councillor receives a basic allowance per year. The purpose of the basic allowance is to recognise the time commitment of councillors and to cover incidental expenses such as travelling within Plymouth in order to attend statutory and local community meetings.
Special responsibility allowances
Some councillors, such as the Leader and Cabinet Members, receive a special responsibility allowance as well as the basic allowance. This is awarded if the Councillor has significant responsibilities over and above the normal work of a ward councillor. No Councillor can receive more than one special responsibility allowance.
Basic allowance and special responsibility allowances are subject to Income Tax and National Insurance deductions.
The summary of the basic allowance and special responsibility allowances can be found in Appendix One of the Constitution.