Agenda item

The Chair asked Members for feedback to the Recommendations proposed in the report in relation to the review undertaken by a Local Government Association peer review team of the democratic decision-making structures of the Council.

Recommendation:-

(a)          That the Council approves the following changes to the Committee arrangements

                 i.   Merge the Audit and Risk and Standards Committees

               ii.   Disband the Staffing Committee

              iii.   Disband the Joint Parking Committee

              iv.   Disband the Member Development Committee

               v.   To create the Constitution Working Group as a Committee of the Council and to title it the Constitution Review Committee

Resolved:-

Committee supported i, ii, iii and iv but did not agree on v.  One Member did not support ii.

A vote took place in support of I, ii, iii and iv:-

In favour – 5

Against - 1

(b)          That the number of places on the Public Protection Committee be set at 15.

Resolved:-

Committee supported the recommendation.

(c)          That the Constitution Working Party be asked to make recommendations for changes to the Council’s Constitution to give effect to recommendation (a) above and make a report to the next meeting of the Council.

Resolved:-

Committee supported the recommendation.

(d)          That the Council approves the Audit and Risk Committee and Standards Committees to operate as a combined Committee until the appropriate changes are made to the Council’s Constitution as required consequentially by recommendation (a) above to request the Group Leaders to nominate the same named individuals to both the Audit and Risk Committee and the Standards Committee with immediate effect.

Resolved:-

Committee supported the recommendation.

(e)          That the Group Leaders be requested to nominate the same named individuals to both the Licensing Committee and the Public Protection Committee with immediate effect.

            A Member objected to this recommendation.  It was explained that when the proposal was submitted for consultation it was felt unlawful to merge both Committees, but to bring them closer together.

            A motion was passed and seconded for this recommendation not to be accepted.  However, this motion was withdrawn as Members felt more information on the legalities and scoping of the Committees was required, should it take place, including the Licensing Sub Committee

Resolved:-

            That a report be presented to Scrutiny.

(f)            That the Constitution Working Party be asked to undertake a review of the Council’s scrutiny arrangements and to bring forward recommendations consistent with the objectives and recommendations of the Peer Review to improve the efficiency of the Council’s democratic arrangements.

Members felt the current operation of Scrutiny was working well.

Resolved:-

All Members agreed that the current process of Scrutiny to remain unchanged.

(g)          That the Council approves the transfer of the powers and duties of the Staffing Committee to the Head of Paid Service  acting with the agreement of the Portfolio Holder for human resources with immediate effect and until the appropriate changes are made to the Council’s Constitution as required consequentially by recommendation (a) above.

A vote took place:-

In favour – 5

Against – 3

Abstain – 1

Resolved:-

Committee supported the recommendation.

(h)          That the Constitution Working Party be asked to consider recommending to the Council conventions which could be adopted to improve the efficiency of formal meetings which are consistent with promoting effective debate, efficient use of Member and officer time, and facilitate the involvement of the public, consultees and others in the work of the Council’s formal meetings.

Resolved:-

That this recommendation be deferred as more Officer clarification is sought.