The council is required to establish an Independent Remuneration Panel under the Local Authorities Members Allowances England Regulations 2001. The panel is made up of local people not connected with the council. Its purpose is to review councillors' allowances for basic duties, special responsibilities, care costs, and travel costs. The panel makes recommendations to the council on the appropriate level of payments to be made. The council is required to consider the recommendations of the panel but is not bound by these when agreeing allowances.