Agenda item

To consider the report of Simon Goacher, Independent Legal Advisor (Weightmans LLP) on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of Simon Goacher, Independent Legal Adviser (Weightman's LLP) on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer, as contained on pages 267 – 286 of the Book of Reports, which set out the recommendations of the Political Governance Arrangements Working Group, recommending to move to a Committee System following a review undertaken and which set out the legal framework and implications for change.

The Mayor advised that Simon Goacher was in attendance to take any questions.

The Chairman of the Working Group thanked Members, Officers, Simon Goacher from Weightmans and Ed Hammond from the Centre of Governance & Scrutiny for the work undertaken during the review.

A Motion, circulated prior to the meeting, was moved and seconded.

An Amendment, circulated prior to the meeting, was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken on the Amendment, and at the request of a Member was recorded as follows:

FOR:              Councillors Bailey, Mrs Blake, Blundell, Clandon, Daniels, Davis, Eccles, Gordon, Gresty, Hirrell, Howard, Johnson, Juckes, Mrs Marshall, Mee, Mitchell, O'Toole, Owens, Pope, Rigby, Sutton, Thompson, Turpin, D Westley, Mrs Westley, Whittington and Witter.  (TWENTY-SEVEN)

AGAINST:      Councillors Aldridge, Anderson, Burnside, Coughlan, Cummins, Dowling, Fennell, Fillis, Finch, Fowler, Furey, Gagen, Gregson, Hogan, Molloy, Nixon, O'Neill, D Owen, G Owen, Patel, Pryce-Roberts, Upjohn, West and J Wilkie. (TWENTY-FOUR)

ABSTENTIONS:      (NONE)

The Amendment was CARRIED.

A vote was taken on the Substantive Motion, which was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   A.     That the following recommendations of the Working Group be noted:

(a)  "That the council adopts the committee system form of governance with effect from the annual council meeting of the Council in 2024.

(b)  That in respect of consultation arrangements:

(i)      a referendum should not be held.

(ii) That a public consultation should not be held prior to a decision being made.

(iii)   That consultation be undertaken with relevant stakeholders if a decision is taken to move to a Committee System

(c)   That the following Committee structure be adopted:

Service/Policy Committees:

•     Policy & Resources

•     Housing & Health

•     Environment

Statutory Committees:

•   Audit and Governance Committee

•   Licensing and Appeals Committee

•   Licensing and Gambling Committee

•   Planning Committee

•   Standards Committee

Although other suggestions that come forward can be considered by the Working Group and Council."

B.     That taking into account the recommendations of the Working Group above, the implications of change set out in paragraph 8 of the report, including the financial/resource implications, set out in paragraph 10, the Council move to a committee system with effect from the Annual Council meeting in 2024.

C.     That the Council adopts the Committee structure set out at A. (c) above.

D      That the Terms of Reference of the Political Governance Arrangements Working Group be expanded, in order to bring further reports back to Council, in respect of the following:

(i)   The Consultation arrangements

(ii)     The Membership size and Terms of Reference of Committees and to consider if any other bodies, such as Sub-Committee, Working Groups or Task & Finish Groups will be required.

(iii)  Changes to the Constitution, including, but not limited to, the Scheme of Delegation to Chief Officers.

(iv)  a review of the staffing required in Democratic Services to support the change.

E.     That it be noted that the Independent Remuneration Panel will be called upon to undertake a review of the Members Allowance Scheme for 2024/25, following the all-out elections being held in May 2023.

F.     That it be noted that the Member Development Commission will be consulted on proposals in relation to the required training for Members.