Agenda item

Cllr Roger Philips (Workforce Lead Member) introduced the report which provided an update on activity in the core workforce team work areas of: pay; negotiations; pensions; workforce strategy; and consultancy.  In doing so, he paid particular attention to: the agreement on chief executives’ pays under £99,999; a potential fresh claim from Unison for the period 2014-15 which was already the subject of an agreed Local Government Service pay agreement; and progress in the implementation of the new Local Government Pensions Scheme (LGPS) regulations. 

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

·        A number of Members expressed disappointment and concern at recent reports and comments in the media regarding the LGPS deficit.  With reference to significant improvements to the Scheme, Members expressed their support for the LGPS and were keen that a robust and public defence of the scheme be made.  

·        Whilst the overall LGPS operating surplus was noted, questions were asked regarding the financial sustainability of individual funds and what steps could be taken to support those funds operating close to cash flow deficit.  Members emphasised the moral imperative to support the sustainability of individual funds and noted the need to make representations to individual funds and Secretary of State on this.   

·        The LGA member guide on the challenges in retaining qualified social workers was warmly welcomed, with several Members providing feedback on its constructive use within their own authorities.

·        In response to questions, it was confirmed that the Secretary of State had agreed the recommendations of the School Teachers’ Review Body.  A Member expressed concerns that the changes could lead to compression of pay scales and to greater competition due to schools paying differential rates.      

Decision

The Resources Board noted the report and asked that their comments inform the development of the team’s work.