Issue - meetings

(Report to follow)

The Leader of the Council and the Chief Legal Officer (Monitoring Officer) set out a joint report seeking Cabinet’s support for changes to the Council’s Constitution, which includes necessary changes as a result of the ongoing global coronavirus Covid-19 situation to be recommended to Council for approval. The report also sought support for the Council to renew and update its constitution on an annual basis. The changes proposed seek to augment the Members and Officers’ ability to make decisions in a timely manner that can adjust to any external needs, especially the current response to the Covid-19 virus.

The Leader introduced the joint report, which set out both changes to Annual Council that had been reviewed by the Corporate Governance Review Working Group as well as revised delegate decision powers to make the Council more resilient.  He also noted that if Cabinet agreed, these proposals would be passed to Special Committee for confirmation. Councillor Renard tabled two amendments:

1)   To delete the existing recommendation 2.4 and insert

“2.4 That the Chief Legal Officer be authorised:

2.4.1 In consultation with the Corporate Governance Review Working Group, to vary the wording and layout of the Constitution and its associated documentation to reflect legislative and procedural changes should this prove necessary for the efficient discharge of Council business during the course of the Municipal Year.

2.4.2      In an emergency situation - when the “Gold Command” has been activated - in consultation with the Leader of the Council, the leaders of the other political party groups and the Chief Executive - to add to or vary the Constitution and its associated documentation to reflect legislative and procedural changes should this prove necessary for the efficient discharge of Council business. In addition, the Chief Legal Officer (Monitoring Officer) shall submit a report to the next Full Council setting out how the additional powers added to the Constitution have been used and to invite Council to recommend that the Corporate Governance Review Working Group review any such additions at the next meeting.”

2) To amend Paragraph 302 (Appendix Two, Scheme of Delegations). 

“To name new streets, subject to consultation with other appropriate officers as necessary, the Royal Mail, relevant ward councillors, and with Parish Councils where applicable.” Members agreed to accept these.

Resolved (1) That Cabinet recommends to Council that (Minute for Confirmation):

(a) Council adopts the proposed changes to the Annual Council meeting to ensure that it is a civic occasion (see Appendix One to the main report).

(b) Council authorises the Chief Executive to undertake any delegation that Members have previously authorised at Annual Council on 17th May 2019 (Council Minute 11 2019/20 refers) and at Council on 20th February 2020 or reallocate these to other officers in order to ensure the efficient dispatch of the Council’s business.

(c) Council adopts the updated the Scheme of Delegations to reflect current post titles and reporting lines along with updated delegation numbers (see Appendix Two to the main report).

(d) Council authorise the Chief Legal Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84