These Regulations amend The Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 (“the principal regulations”). They substitute increased amounts for different categories of local authority payments to their members, for the years to 31st March 2009 and from 1st April 2009.

The provisions made for the year to 31st March 2009 have the effect of allowing local authorities to pay members in their various capacities an increase for the current year. Further, the provisions for the period from 1st April 2009 allow local authorities to increase councillor salaries from that date. The provisions made for both periods follow consideration of the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee views and recommendations contained in their report published in September 2008.

Regulation 2(2) makes provision for council leaders' remuneration.

Regulation 2(3) provides maximum levels for remuneration of civic heads, but allows each local authority to determine whether and to what extent such remuneration should be paid.

Regulation 2(4) sets new levels for councillor remuneration.

Regulation 2(5) addresses the remuneration of those councillors who are conveners of police or fire and rescue committees of either Dumfries and Galloway or Fife Council, or who have been nominated as responsible for either of those functions.

At present only two Strathclyde joint boards can have two remunerated vice-conveners, other joint boards being restricted to one. Regulation 2(6) will enable all joint boards to have two remunerated vice-conveners. As at present, the remuneration will be paid by the local authority of which the councillor is a member.

Regulations 2(7) and 2(8) set new levels of pay for those councillors who perform the role of convener or vice convener of those joint boards not included in regulation 12(4) of the principal regulations.

No Regulatory Impact Assessment has been carried out.