Agenda item

To receive a report from the Corporate Director Law & Governance seeking approval to changes in the maternity/paternity policy within the Members Allowances Scheme and that in accordance with s.85 of the Local Government Act 1972 absence on approved maternity leave is agreed as a reason for non-attendance at any meeting of the Council, Cabinet, Committee or Sub-Committee from 8th July 2024 onwards.

The Mayor invited Councillor Mili Patel, as Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, to introduce a report from the Corporate Director Law & Governance outlining changes in the maternity/paternity policy within the Members Allowances Scheme and also, as part of the changes for which approval was being sought) to absence on the ground of approved maternity leave being agreed as a reason for non-attendance by a member under the requirements within s.85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

In introducing the report, members were advised that the proposals outlined for consideration had been based on a review of current provisions in the Members Allowances Scheme which had included feedback from Members who had undertaken maternity or paternity leave, as well as benchmarking across other London boroughs.  In highlighting the importance of parental leave  in terms of the support available for members and in ensuring the role of local councillor was able to continue retaining and attracting as diverse a range of individuals as possible, it was hoped all councillors would support the proposals outlined.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Mili Patel for introducing the report and then opened the debate for contributions from other members.

In supporting the proposals outlined, Councillor Miller took the opportunity to highlight (based on his personal experience) the importance, value and benefits provided through the parental leave provisions in relation to the family unit as a whole.  These comments were echoed by Councillor Afzal (also speaking from a personal experience as a new parent) who hoped all members would support the proposals outlined.

Councillor Mitchell (highlighting the benefits provided from her personal experience) also spoke to outline her support for the parental leave provisions given their importance as a means of ensuing inclusivity and also the wider benefits in relation to care provision, which she was keen to ensure included a wider and more holistic approach.

As a final contribution, Councillor Kelcher (again highlighting his personal experience) also felt it important to reflect on the importance in ensuring the provision of parental leave remained as accessible and wide as possible in terms of supporting councillors in being able to maintain and fulfil their roles.  He was therefore keen to ensure that the provisions remained subject to ongoing review with it made clear, when members were on parental leave, of the reason for them being unable to engage in their role as councillor during that period.

As no other members indicated they wished to speak the Mayor thanked members for their contribution and invited Councillor Mili Patel to exercise her right of reply.  In closing the debate, Councillor Mili Patel thanked members for their support and advised of the intention to ensure that the provisions for parental leave remained subject to ongoing review and feedback.  Whilst welcoming the proposal to included approved maternity leave as a permitted reason to waive the requirement within s.85 of the Local Government Act 1972 for councillor attendance at meetings, she advised the need had also been recognised to ensure that when members were unable to engage in their role as councillor due to parental leave this was clearly communicated.

Having thanked Councillor Mili Patel for closing the debate, the Mayor then put the recommendations in the report to the vote and they were unanimously declared CARRIED.

Council therefore unanimously RESOLVED:

(1)    In accordance with s.85 of the Local Government Act 1972, to agree (in relation to each and every relevant member) absence on approved maternity leave as a reason for non-attendance at any meeting of the Council, Cabinet, Committee or Sub-Committee from 8th July 2024 onwards.

(2)    To adopt the changes to the Members Allowance Scheme in relation to the maternity & paternity provisions contained in the appendix to the report.

(3)    To authorise the Corporate Director of Law & Governance to amend the Constitution accordingly if required, including making any necessary incidental or consequential changes.