Somerset County Council needs volunteers to join an independent panel, which sets the allowances payable to its elected members.

The Independent Remuneration Panel, a legally required body, makes recommendations to the Council about the different financial allowances elected members can receive. Being a panel member will involve researching the amounts other authorities make available to their elected members and working towards producing the Scheme of Allowances for the new Somerset Council.

There are five places and applications are being accepted throughout December.

Councillor Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: "It is imperative that the matter of allowances is a well-informed, justified and independent process, so that remuneration is fair and our communities are happy with the way it is decided. If you have the time and an interest in such a process, we would love to hear from you."

All panel members must be independent of the Council. If you have an interest in local government, would like to know more about Council processes or would like some satisfaction in using your existing skills to take part in this democratic process, this could be for you.

Find out more and apply by visiting: Independent Person for Remuneration Panel

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