Vol. 488 No. 3
39 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when strategic policy committees will be introduced into local authorities; if he will provide an allowance for the chairpersons of the strategic policy committees; the mechanism to be used to nominate non-elected members to these committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5900/98]
The process of establishment of strategic policy committees, with the support and guidance of my Department, is under way in county and city councils. It is now a matter for each local authority to set up a committee structure suitable to their needs.
In November 1997 detailed guidelines entitled "Strategic Policy Committees — Guidelines for Establishment and Operation" were issued to all relevant local authorities. The guidelines paragraph 4.8 in particular, set out advice on the question of nomination of non-elected members to these committees. The guidelines have since been followed up by a national seminar day on SPCs held on 5 February 1998 to further assist those involved in setting up and implementing SPC schemes. I will be issuing further guidance to authorities arising from the seminar including in particular the position of town authorities and their county SPCs. I have also provided funding for training and some courses have already been held.
I am currently reviewing the system of expenses for councillors and as part of that review I will be introducing an allowance for chairpersons of SPCs.
