Issue - meetings

To propose changes to the Policy (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which proposed changes to the Travel and Expenses Policy.

The Portfolio Holder – Corporate and Communications introduced the report, and the Travel and Expenses Policy was included at Appendix A.  It was highlighted that within the table at section 4.1 of the policy document, a passenger rate of 5p for ‘over 999cc’ vehicles had been omitted – this was to be added as it was aimed at encouraging drivers to take passengers with them.

The following points were raised:

·       Appendix A stated that there was a duty to undertake a driving licence check on an annual basis – should confirmation of insurance for business use and a valid MOT also be included?

·       With regard to the various green initiatives coming forward, what was the rationale in having the same amount for fuel expense for both petrol and electric cars?  How did this tie into the Council’s aim to be more ‘green’ in the future?  Could a tiered system be incorporated as part of a strategy going forward?

DECISION:

a)    That the Travel and Expenses Policy at Appendix A be approved; and

b)    That the revised Travel and Expenses Policy be implemented in line with the phased approach set out at section 1.7 of the report.

To propose changes to the policy (report of the Assistant Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Corporate which proposed changes to the Travel and Expenses Policy.

The Insights and Transformation Group Manager introduced the report which detailed the proposed changes to the Travel and Expenses Policy for Officers of the Council. The following points were highlighted:

• The revised policy was detailed at Appendix A;
• The proposed change was the removal of the application of the Essential Car User allowance from the policy;
• Additional means of supporting colleagues to access a vehicle to carry out their duties, such as car loans and a salary sacrifice scheme, had been introduced;
• The purpose was not driven by an ambition for savings however it was anticipated that some savings would be made;
• Unions had been consulted but the Council had not received any objections to the changes; and
• The change would ensure alignment of policy across the partnership.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members referred to point 1.9 of the report and queried why a mileage rate for electric cars was not stated - a rate for a vehicle cubic capacity range of between 0 – 450 needed to be included. In addition, why did the Council pay a higher rate larger, less efficient cars. Officers should be encouraged to drive more efficient vehicles.
  • The Assistant Director – Corporate responded that:
    • Electric vehicles were subject to the 46.9p mileage rate;
    • The Council encouraged low emissions through the introduction of a salary sacrifice scheme which incentivised efficient vehicles; and
    • The suggestion of an additional 0 – 450 cc range would be discussed with Human Resources.

AGREED:

That after consideration of the proposed policy change, the comments of the Policy Development Panel be noted.