Brent Council Approves Significant Increase in Independent Chair Allowance for Audit and Standards Committee

Brent Council Approves Significant Increase in Independent Chair Allowance for Audit and Standards Committee

Brent Council has approved a substantial increase in the allowance for the Independent Chair of its Audit and Standards Advisory Committee, a move aimed at attracting experienced candidates and reflecting the role's growing importance. The decision was made during an Extraordinary Full Council meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The allowance for the Independent Chair will rise from £1,561 per annum to £5,332 per annum. This adjustment is intended to recognise the strategic importance, responsibility, independence, and significant time commitment associated with leading the council's principal governance, audit, risk, and standards forum. The role involves providing independent scrutiny and challenge in relation to audit activity, risk management, internal control, financial governance, corporate governance arrangements, and standards of ethical conduct.

This increase is also a response to the increasing national focus on the effectiveness of local authority audit committees, prompted by governance and financial failures across the sector. The council highlighted that guidance from CIPFA emphasizes the value of independent voices in audit committees to bolster expertise, objectivity, and challenge. An independent chair, the council noted, can offer visible independence from party political interests and enhance public confidence in governance arrangements.

The report accompanying the decision noted that the proposed allowance of £5,332 per annum remains modest when compared to remuneration levels offered elsewhere in the sector. For instance, Hillingdon Council advertises an Independent Chair of its Audit, Finance and Performance Committee at £24,318 per annum, while Croydon Council pays £8,200 per annum for its Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.

The current Independent Chair has indicated their intention to step down after the December committee meeting, making the recruitment of a successor a priority. The proposed increase in allowance will take effect upon the appointment of a new Independent Chair.

Regarding the financial implications, the report states that the proposed change to the Members' Allowance Scheme remains within the budget set for committee allowances and remuneration, indicating no anticipated negative impact on the council's overall budget. The council also pointed to the increasing financial complexity, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and growing governance expectations as factors that elevate the strategic importance of this role.

For further details on the council's public reports, please refer to the Public reports pack Monday 12-Oct-2026 17.00 Council.