Policy Review: Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities for Lord Mayor and Councillors August 2014

Written submissions are invited and will be accepted up to Wednesday 17 September 2014.

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure that there is accountability and transparency in the payment and/or reimbursement of expenses to the Lord Mayor and Councillors in carrying out their civic duties and that these expenses and the facilities provided are appropriate and reasonable.

Council at its meeting of 26 May 2014 endorsed, in principle, a number of minor amendments to the current policy, subject to public notification and consultation. Click here for a link to the full report, which:

• Clarifies that reimbursement of laundry and dry cleaning costs relate to expenses incurred in association with overnight travel and accommodation.
• Provides for Councillors to attend charitable functions in the community.
• Removes provisions for Council to pay for the hire of special attire for Councillors when attending community functions.
• Includes the requirement for Councillors to report on Council related overseas travel.
• Amends the wording of the policy to set the “minimum” data allowance available to Councillors for use of their mobile phones and iPads.
• Includes reference to the provision of meals and refreshments, excluding alcohol, prior to Council meetings and Councillor briefings.
• Includes reference to the Lord Mayoral Robe as a formal Insignia of Office.

Councillors resolved at the meeting to further amended the wording of the policy to include:

• Councillors may be reimbursed for use of consumables by private printing devices, upon presentation of receipts, up to an annual value of $250.

At the conclusion of the exhibition period no submissions were received. Following consultation with internal stakeholders further amendments have now been recommended.

Council at its meeting of 28 July 2014 endorsed these additional amendments to the current policy, in principle, subject to public notification and consultation. Click here for a link to the full report, which:

• Sets the frequency of audits of expenses to once every three years (previously once every two years)
• Requires a Councillor to seek approval from the Lord Mayor prior to accepting any invitation to speak or present on behalf of Council
• Places a $2000 limit on expenses the Lord Mayor will approve for Councillors seeking to attend non-Council events. Any request exceeding the limit will be subject to a report to council.
• Outlines the way in which Councillor requests for reimbursement of printer consumables will be administered

Any person can make a submission by completing the form below, emailing council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or writing to the General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821, Wollongong DC NSW 2500.

Please read Council’s Privacy Notification before making a submission.