Issue - meetings

To note the Annual Governance Statement Action Plan update.

Consideration was given to the Annual Governance Statement - Action Plan update which provided a mid-year status report on actions arising from the Annual Governance Statement (AGS).

The Assistant Director – Governance introduced the action plan and provided the following updates:

• In respect of the action ‘establishing improved governance and processes to support the preparation of the 2026/27 budget and Mid Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)’:

o    A detailed report had previously been presented to the Committee outlining improvements implemented by the Section 151 Officer.

• In respect of the action: ‘monitor the government’s plans for remote meetings, proxy voting and standards arrangement and develop policies and procedures as appropriate’:

o    Proposals relating to remote meetings and proxy voting were still under consideration nationally. Should legislation be introduced, local arrangements would be determined by the Council; and

o    Since publication of the document, the government had announced its intention to introduce a national model code of conduct for all local authorities and to legislate for sanctions in cases of serious standards breaches. Further details would be circulated to members following the meeting.

Members considered the update and made the following comments:

• Members discussed the potential implications of remote meetings and proxy voting. It was noted that while remote meetings could improve flexibility, concerns were raised about maintaining engagement and transparency.
  • The Assistant Director – Governance clarified that any future legislation would provide the option for remote meetings rather than impose a requirement, and local authorities would retain discretion over implementation.

• Members welcomed the update on standards arrangements and agreed that the introduction of sanctions for serious breaches would strengthen governance nationally.

• Members welcomed further updates as part of future governance reports.

Agreed:

That the Annual Governance Statement – Action Plan update be noted.