Issue - meetings

To review committee seat allocations and make appointments in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 (report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed.

Note: App A will be sent ‘to follow’

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer), the purpose of which was to review committee seat allocations and make appointments in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.

The Legal Advisor presented the report on behalf of the Monitoring Officer and advised that the proposed allocations and appointments had been agreed by Group Leaders following consultation. The report included proposed nominations for seats on each committee, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Supplementary Agenda Pack.

Members were reminded that Full Council was permitted to make alternative arrangements to the default proportionality rules, provided that no Member voted against the proposal. It was noted that some seats had been gifted between political groups, and that the overall proportionality remained compliant with legislative requirements.

Consideration was given to the report and the following issues were raised:

·       Clarification was sought as to the quorum requirements for those committees that had reduced in size to 11.

o   Officers confirmed that the quorum was either three Members or one-third of the committee membership, whichever was the greater.

·       Some members expressed disappointment at the reduction in committee membership numbers, particularly in relation to the Planning Committee.  It was felt that all Members had been elected to represent their communities and should have the opportunity to contribute across the breadth of Council business. By reducing numbers there was a risk of disenfranchising Members and diminishing representation across the district. While it was acknowledged that the matter had been discussed and agreed at the last Council meeting,  some Members stated their regret that the changes were proceeding.

DECISION:

That the revised allocation of seats and appointments to Committees as detailed in Appendix 1 be agreed.