TIMING OF REMITS
56. A large number of remits were submitted months after their settlement date in 2006-07 and placed significant pressure on approvals process. The expectation is that remits should be submitted in sufficient time to allow approval to be approved and negotiations with Trade Unions to be concluded to enable staff to be paid as near as possible to the settlement dates. A timetable which sets out the settlement date and expected submission date for all public bodies which are due to submit pay remit proposals between May 2007 and April 2008 (inclusive) is set out in Annex C. If a body submits their pay remit after their settlement date, it must provide an explanation.
57. It should be borne in mind that the process from submission of remit proposals to the pay policy team to remit approval can take up to 3 months to complete depending on the complexity of the business case. Where proposals fully adhere to Public Sector Pay Policy approval will take much less time.
58. Pay remit proposals (proformas and business case) should be submitted direct to financepaypolicy@scotland.gsi.gov.uk and copied to the sponsor branch (where relevant). The role of sponsor branches remain important but in order to simplify and streamline the approvals process Finance Pay Policy will communicate directly with public bodies to clarify proposals and resolve any issues. Sponsor branches will remain part to all communications and will retain responsibility of submitting proposals for the Remuneration Group / Ministerial approval.
59. Public bodies should allow time for the approvals process when planning meetings with the Trade Unions. The Finance Pay Policy Team will aim to provide any substantive comment on remits within ten working days for receipt. Where this is not possible, we will advise public bodies immediately.
60. Submissions for Scottish Executive Remuneration Group consideration and then Ministerial clearance should be marked by sponsor branches as "Routine" and at least 1 week should be allowed for approval. This should be extended where the proposals are complex or cover more than one year.