Mayors-Allowance-Policy-Adopted-20-2-2023

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Chard Town Council
Mayor’s Allowance Policy
The Mayor’s allowance, exists to help defray the cost to the Mayor whilst undertaking
his/her duties for the civic year. Chard Town Council is committed to accountability and
transparency in respect of all expenditure, including the Mayor’s allowance.
Background
Each May, the Town Council elect the Mayor for the ensuing year. The job will entail
increased responsibility for the Mayor representing the town at various events throughout
the County. As a result, it is a likely that there will be increased expenditure and to defray
these extra costs a budget is allocated and will be reviewed annually as part of the Council
budget procedure. If the Mayor’s allowance is not fully spent by the end of the Mayor’s term
of office, the remainder of the fund will revert to the general reserves.
Permitted expenditure
Whilst representing the town the following list is legitimate expenditure for which there will
be reimbursement:
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Mileage to and from events
Tickets for events
Buying Raffle/draw tickets at Civic/Mayoral events
Donations to charity stalls, etc. at Civic/Mayoral events
Costs incurred e.g. hire of a venue, including Council owned premises (excluding the
Mayor’s Parlour which is available to the Mayor free of charge), in relation to the
Mayor’s fundraising events for the Mayor’s named charity(s)
Reasonable expenditure required for performing the Mayor’s duties in service of the
Town which should be agreed in advance with the Responsible Financial Officer
(RFO)

It is recognised that the Mayor may be accompanied to many formal engagements by his or
her spouse or partner. Reasonable expenditure under the above headings in respect of the
Mayor’s spouse or partner represents legitimate expenditure, subject to the caveat of being
pre-agreed by the RFO.
It is expected that, where possible, receipts will support expenditure. Where it is not
possible to provide receipts, signed written details must be provided by the Mayor to
substantiate the expenditure.
All expenses will be publicised as part of the Annual Report.

Adopted by Full Council 20 February 2023