Would you like to advise on councillors’ allowances?

7 April 2025

Cheshire East Council is looking to recruit an individual to fill a vacancy on its independent remuneration panel which advises the authority on appropriate payments for the work carried out by elected members.

The panel advises the authority on the way in which elected members are reimbursed for their public service.

The independent remuneration panel meets as and when required, depending on its work programme. Candidates will be expected to serve for four years and can claim an allowance of £75 per meeting, with the chair receiving an additional allowance. 

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of the council’s corporate policy committee and leader of the council, said: “We are looking for individuals with a keen interest in local government. Applications are particularly sought from people with specific experience of the workings of local government, or people involved in the private or voluntary sector within the borough. 

“We will also seek to appoint a panel chair, for which previous experience of chairing an independent remuneration panel will be a highly-desirable criterion. 

“The way our members are reimbursed for public service is of interest to many. We want this process to be transparent and, therefore, any advisory role must be independent of the council. I look forward to the formation of this important panel in the coming months.” 

Candidates interested in joining the panel should be completely independent of the council and should not be politically active or have a relationship with a councillor or a member of the council’s staff. 

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 22 April 2025. Further information can be found on the council’s webpage on councillors' expenses.

Those interested in applying should email the council at: CECIRP@cheshireeast.gov.uk