Agenda item

Sarah Messenger (Head of Workforce) briefly introduced the report which updated on: pay; negotiations; pensions; workforce strategy; and consultancy.  In doing so, she paid particular attention to launch a new career guide which encourages young people to think about a career in local government. 

In the discussion that followed, Members made a number of comments, including: 

·        Members highlighted the significant achievement of reaching a local government pay offer for 2015/16 and that this should be recognised by Government.

·        Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations that will enable elected members to sit on Local Pension Board were welcomed, with particular reference made to the importance of this ‘local scrutiny’.

·        With reference to the potential shape of local government in five years’ time, Members welcomed the timely creation of a career guide as a recruitment tool to attract new talent into local government.  In addition to this, the importance of continuing to support the creation of apprenticeships was also highlighted.  

·        In discussing the Local Government Pension Schemes, the added value of local investment schemes was highlighted.  Concerns were expressed that the creation of a Welsh Local Government Pension Fund could have a detrimental impact on this within Wales.

Decision

The Resources Board noted the report and asked that their views inform the development of the work programme.