Issue - meetings

To present the annual review of the Council’s constitution.

Correction to appendix 1 (incorrect wording copied over):

Consideration was given to the annual review of the constitution and recommended amendments, including changes to the financial procedure rules. In moving the report, the Executive member stated that he supported the comments of the Scrutiny Commission relating to consulting ward members on disposals, which was seconded by Councillor Hall.

In response to a member’s concern about the change to disposal limits, it was noted that the financial procedure rules referred to only taking action in accordance with the Asset Management Strategy, which allayed that concern. Members were also reassured that decisions made by the Executive under the financial procedure rules would be subject to the same call-in procedures as any other Executive decision.

In relation to consultation on variations to section 106 agreements (part 2(f) paragraph 8.2 of the constitution), an amendment was moved by Councillor Crooks and seconded by Councillor Bray that consultation take place with the chairman of the Planning Committee and relevant ward councillor(s). This amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder of the original motion.

It was also requested that the reference in the Asset Strategy and Regeneration Group to consulting ward councillors be amended from “may also take place” to “will also take place”. This was agreed.

It was moved by Councillor Ladkin, seconded by Councillor Hall and

RESOLVED – The updated constitution be agreed with the following amendments:

(i)            The Asset Strategy and Regeneration Group terms of reference be amended to include the wording “Further consultation will also take place with relevant ward members as appropriate”;

(ii)           Paragraph 8.2 of part 2(f) of the constitution be amended to include consultation with the chairman of the Planning Committee and relevant ward councillor(s) in relation to variations of section 106 agreements.

To present the annual review of the constitution for scrutiny prior to Council decision.

Consideration was given to the annual update of the constitution following the full review the previous year. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         Concern was expressed about removing the requirement to consult the chairman of the Planning Committee in relation to variations to S106 agreements and unilateral undertakings

·         It was acknowledged that financial limits may need increasing, but members generally felt that the proposed limits were too high

·         It was suggested that £100k was too high to be considered for minor disposals

·         It was requested that appendix 1 contain more detail to be read without a copy of the constitution

·         In relation to the terms of reference of the Asset Strategy & Regeneration Group, it was requested that the relevant ward member(s) be consulted on proposals for Middlefield Lane and Trinity Lane.

It was agreed that the amendments to the financial procedure rules would be discussed with group leaders before going to Council.

RESOLVED – the matters raised be noted and discussed with group leaders.