See answers to previous information requests

Please provide me: 1. The named organisation chart for the three Political Assistants showing their name, hours and remuneration The hours and grading of the Political Assistants are provided on the attached Job Description for these posts. 2. Written financial assessments and business case plus any other written material in relation to the creation of three positions. A business case the Labour Group Political Assistant is attached. We do not hold details for the other two positions. Value for Money The Council continuously scrutinises all officer posts in terms of efficiency and value for money and makes changes accordingly. Staffing is one of the most significant costs for the Council and is therefore subject to rigorous review before any new appointment is made. All three Political Assistant posts share the same job description and provide similar support to the three parties. Whilst the size of the political groups varies, the nature and volume of work is similar. 3. Were the positions approved by the full council meeting, if so when. Regarding the Political Assistant for the Labour Party, the recruitment business case was put forward internally in summer 2024 and was approved following careful consideration by the Chief Finance Officer and his team taking into account the needs of the service and balancing the competing demands on the Council’s limited resources. The financial implications of this decision were shared publicly and transparently at the Community & Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 17 December 2024 (see item 66, Appendix A) where the additional £40,000 per annum budget requirement was clearly referenced. 4. Where and when the Liberal Democrat Political Assistant position was advertised and who sat on the interview panel. The Liberal Democrat Political Assistant was recruited in 2016, we do not hold details of the interviewing panel at that time.