Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Mrs Hambleton, Cllr Hambkleton, Cllr Proctor and Cllr Mrs Simpson.

There were no declarations of interest.

A report was submitted to inform Members of the outcome of the consultation regarding changes to the election cycle for Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council arising from the resolution made by the Council at its meeting on 16 April 2014.  To advise Members of information which has been provided by The Local Government Boundary Commission for England regarding the potential inter-relationship between the election cycle and the council size and pattern of wards.

An amendment to the original recommendations was proposed by Cllr Stubbs and seconded by Cllr Sweeney and read as follows:

That there be an additional recommendation:

c)         Whilst the Sub-Committee is undertaking its work the decision made by the Council on 16 April 2014 to bring forward actions to change the election cycle from thirds to whole council elections be suspended.

Members debated and voted on the amendment with all voting in favour.

A second amendment to the recommendations was proposed by Cllr Sweeney and seconded by Cllr Holland and read as follows:

That the following wording be added to the end of existing recommendation (b):

That the sub-committee make its report to the July 2015 meeting of the Council.

Members debated the amendment and all were in favour.

Resolved:

a)         That the council notes the content of the report including the outcome of the consultation on the proposal for change to the election cycle for Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council and the information received from The Local Government Boundary Commission for England regarding the potential inter-relationship between the election cycle, the council size and pattern of wards

b)         To resolve to establish a Governance Sub-Committee for a time limited period from 1 December 2014 and 30 September 2015 with a remit to consider the future governance arrangements of the council.  That the Sub-Committee consist of 7 Members, 5 of whom shall be Members of the Council with full voting rights and 2 shall be independent with no voting rights.  The Sub-Committee will follow the Council’s political proportionality rules.  The terms of reference for the Sub-Committee shall be as set out in Appendix A of this report. The sub-committee will make its report to the July 2015 meeting of the Council.

c)         Whilst the Sub-Committee is undertaking its work the decision made by the Council on 16 April 2014 to bring forward actions to change the election cycle from thirds to whole council elections be suspended.