NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME BOROUGH COUNCIL

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S URGENT DECISION ON BEHALF OF

FULL COUNCIL

21ST March 2025

Report Title:	Allocation of Seats to Committees for Political Groups

Submitted by:	Chief Executive

Portfolios:	One Council, People & Partnerships

Ward(s) affected:	All Wards

Purpose of the Report	Key Decision	Yes ☒	No ☐
To note the decision to re-allocate committee seats to the political groups following a change in political proportionality of the Council as a result of the untimely death of Cllr. Barry Panter in office and the resignation of Cllr. Robert Moss.
Decision That using the urgency powers set out in the Constitution:- The seats allocated to the Independent Member, Sue Beeston, on the Licensing & Public Protection Committee be increased by one seat, with a corresponding decrease of one seat on the Economy & Place Scrutiny Committee allocated to the Labour Group. The Chief Executive further notes that Committee places will be revisited at May’s full Council meeting following the by-elections in Loggerheads and Knutton wards.
Reasons Following the death of one elected member and the resignation of another, this report seeks to comply with the political proportionality requirements in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, following a change in political balance.

Background

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (“the 1989 Act”) imposes political proportionality requirements in respect of the allocation of seats on ordinary committees to the political groups.

Specifically, section 15 of the Act requires that four principles be followed in allocating committee seats:

All seats on a committee cannot be allocated to the same political group;

The majority of the seats on each committee should be allocated to the political group holding the majority of seats on the council;

Subject to (a) and (b) above, the number of seats on the total of all the ordinary committees of the council allocated to each political group should bear the same proportion to the proportion of their seats on the council;

Subject to (a), (b) and (c) above, the number of seats on each ordinary committee of the council allocated to each political group should bear the same proportion to the proportion of their seats on the council.

On account of the result of a change in membership in both the Conservative and Labour Groups, there is a need to alter the seat allocations as set out above.

Issues

This decision is taken in accordance with paragraph 1 (“Matters of Urgency”) on page 78 of the Council’s Constitution. The urgency arises on account of the need for this decision to be taken at a time before a meeting of full Council can be convened.

Proposal

That, using the urgency powers set out in the Constitution, the changes referred to above be made.

Reasons

To comply with the political proportionality requirements of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Options Considered

5.1	To await the next meeting of full Council to propose the changes, however this would have the effect of a key regulatory committee being run otherwise than in accordance with the requirements of the 1989 Act.

Legal and Statutory Implications

There are no additional legal or statutory implications associated with this decision.

Equality Impact Assessment

There is no direct equality impact and therefore an assessment is not required.

Financial and Resource Implications

There are no direct resource implications associated with this decision.

Major Risks & Mitigation

Risks are set out in section 5 of this report.

UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG

One Council

Please confirm that consideration has been given to the following programmes of work:

One Commercial Council	​☒​

We will make investment to diversify our income and think entrepreneurially.

One Digital Council	​☒​

We will develop and implement a digital approach which makes it easy for all residents and businesses to engage with the Council, with our customers at the heart of every interaction.

One Green Council	​☒​

We will deliver on our commitments to a net zero future and make all decisions with sustainability as a driving principle.

11.1	The oversight and scrutiny of Council decisions is a key element of committee	membership.

Key Decision Information

This is a key decision.

Earlier Cabinet/Committee Resolutions

Not applicable

List of Appendices

Not applicable

Background Papers

Not applicable