Issue - meetings

To receive the Annual Pay Policy Statement.

RECOMMENDATION:  That Council approve the draft Pay Policy Statement for 20/21 for publication on the Council’s website in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.

The Council considered the Pay Policy Statement, set out at Agenda pages 141 to 152.

It was proposed by John Halsall and seconded by John Kaiser that the recommendation be agreed.

Rachel Burgess expressed disappointment that there was no mention of the Gender Pay Gap.  Since last year, the mean gender pay gap had increased to over 15%, which was 9% above the local authority average and 10% higher than neighbouring Reading Borough Council, and the median pay gap was worse.  Rachel Burgess stressed that proactive measures needed to be put in place. 

Clive Jones emphasised the need for the Council to look after its lower paid workers.

John Halsall responded that many of the issues raised were being continuously addressed.  He felt that Reading and Wokingham’s workforces could not be directly compared.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED:  That the draft Pay Policy Statement for 2020/21, be approved for publication on the Council’s website in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.