Decision details

The Head of Governance introduced the report. 

Appendix B detailed the changes proposed to Article 7 (Committees, Forums, Working Groups and Partnerships).  Appendix D detailed the proposed changes to the Members Allowances Scheme.  Council noted that a minor amendment was required to the version included in the agenda and the corrected version had been published as a supplement and circulated to Members.

The report advised the Council that establishment of a Liberal Democrat group had altered the political balance of the Council.  A recalculation of political balance was therefore required.  Council were informed that the Leader had indicated that the Administration Group wished to merge the Housing Committee and Assets, Regeneration & Growth Committee and create a Housing & Growth Committee.  The proportionality report also advised the Council of the requirement to amend the number of seats on some Committees to ensure the Liberal Democrats were given their proportionate seat entitlement.  Full details of the changes were set out in the linked report on political proportionality (agenda item 12.2).

The Administration Group had also indicated they wished to amend Council Procedure Rules to vary the rules relating to Questions to the Leader in the Full Council Procedure Rules.  Details had been circulated in the supplemental papers for the meeting.

The Leader moved reception and adoption of the recommendations in the report.  Debate ensued.  During debate on the item, the Members agreed to review the number of Housing & Growth Committee meetings scheduled and consider whether additional meetings would be required to accommodate the workload of the new committee.

On the recommendations in the report being put to the vote, the recommendations were unanimously agreed:

RESOLVED that Council:

1.     Approve the revised Article 7 (Committees, Forums, Working Groups and Partnerships) as set out in Appendix B.

2.     Approve the amendments to the Members Allowances Scheme as set in Appendix D.

3.     Approved the revised Full Council Procedure Rules as circulated in the supplemental report of the Head of Governance.