A Dependant Carers Allowance is payable based on the following conditions:
When a Member is undertaking “Council approved duties
- For the independent care of a child, who is resident with the councillor, aged 15 years and under
- For the professional care of a dependant relative.
A ‘ dependant relative’ is defined as where the councillor is the main carer and one of the following categories apply:
- Elderly relative requiring constant care
- Disabled relative requiring constant care
- Relative with learning disabilities requiring constant care
Qualifying Situation
- The child or foster child of a Member (one payment per household in the case of a spouse or partner)
- A dependant relative of a Member (one payment per household in the case of a spouse or partner)
Rates of Payment
National Minimum Wage, unless there are specific circumstances.
Pensions
Members of Chorley Council are not eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
How to Claim Allowances
Allowances (Basic and Special)
The Basic and Special Responsibility Allowances are paid automatically each month via the payroll without the need to claim.
Electronic Claims
To claim all travel and subsistence expenses, Members are asked to register to use the electronic claim system and retain all receipts for future inspection. Please note however that paper forms can be provided on request.
Claim Submission Deadline
To avoid any delays in payment please complete your claim at least every three months, for payment on the seventeenth of the next month. It cannot be guaranteed that claims made across financial years will be met.
Advance of Travel and Subsistence Allowances
In an emergency, it may be possible to make an advance payment of your travel/subsistence and overnight allowances (for attending a conference) where you need reimbursement urgently. To apply for this advance please direct your written request to Democratic Services.
If an officer or another Member paid for any meals, sundry expenses, etc on your behalf you must identify this on the claim form (and reduce your claim accordingly). If this is not identified on the claim form and an officer subsequently claims for expenses that were paid on your behalf, they will be recovered via the payroll.
Effect on Taxation, National Insurance Contributions and Benefit Entitlement
Your allowances (Basic and Special Responsibility) are taxable, and subject to National Insurance contributions in certain circumstances. Allowances are also classed as income when some benefits are claimed such as Income Support, Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit. Therefore you must declare allowances received to the relevant agencies if this applies to you.
Expenses for travel, subsistence and miscellaneous items defined in this guide are covered by an Inland Revenue dispensation and do not need to be declared for tax purposes. However, if there is any element of profit arising from your claim (i.e. amount claimed is greater than the amount actually spent) then this is taxable.
Please note that since the introduction of self-assessment it is your responsibility to keep records to support your tax liability