CHESHIRE East Council is looking to recruit three residents to have a say on councillors allowances. 

The three east Cheshire residents will sit on an independent remuneration panel that advises the authority on appropriate remuneration for the work carried out by members of the council.

The panel advises the authority on the way in which elected members are reimbursed for their public service.

The panel meets two to three times a year and candidates will be expected to serve for four years, receiving an allowance of £30 per meeting, plus travel expenses, with the chairman receiving an additional allowance.

Cllr Peter Groves, Cabinet member for finance and assets, said: “We are looking for three people with a keen interest in local government.

“Applications are particularly sought from people with specific experience of the workings of local government, or people involved in the private or voluntary sector within the borough.

“We will also be seeking to appoint one of the successful applicants as the panel chairman, for which previous experience of chairing an independent remuneration panel will be a highly desirable criterion.

“The way our members are reimbursed for public service is of interest to many. We want this process to be transparent, and therefore, any advisory role must be independent of the council.”

Candidates interested in joining the panel should be completely independent, should not be politically active or have a relationship with a councillor or a member of the authority’s staff.

The closing date is September 21 and further information can be found at cheshireeast.gov.uk

Those interested in applying should contact Lindsey Parton by calling 01270 686477, or email Lindsey.parton@cheshireeast.gov.uk