The Local Government (Allowances and Expenses) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2008

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Local Government (Allowances and Expenses) (Scotland) Regulations 2007. They implement recommendations made by the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee in its report published in September 2008.

Regulation 2(2) extends the right to claim reimbursement of Civic Head expenses to others undertaking civic duties on behalf of the Civic Head.

Regulation 2(3) introduces a new regulation 4(4), which provides for an allowance of £25 a night when a councillor opts to stay with friends or family instead of incurring the price of an hotel while engaged on council business.

Regulation 2(4) adjusts the car or van mileage rate from 49.3 pence for every mile, so that councillors may claim 40 pence per mile while on council business.

Regulation 2(5) makes adjustments to Schedule 2, adding a further two wards in North Ayrshire to the list where councillors may be reimbursed for meals purchased within their own electoral wards or while working in council premises. It also clarifies related provisions and gives new and adjusted rates for overnight accommodation, including the allowance introduced by regulation 2(3).

Regulation 2(6) amends Schedule 3 to reflect the change in mileage rate introduced by regulation 2(4) and to adjust the guidance notes for the councillors' claim forms, including adding a requirement that certain details be provided when councillors submit claims under the ‘staying with friends or family’ allowance provisions.

Regulation 2(7) makes minor adjustments to the headings in the Record of Claims form in Schedule 4.