Agenda item

To consider an annual review of the Constitution to ensure it is fit for purpose and is in accordance with current legislation.

A review of the Constitution had been undertaken in which Officers had been engaged and comment had been invited from Members through their respective Group Leaders.  Although, it was acknowledged that the Borough Elections would have limited the ability for Member engagement, as a number of Members where not standing to be re-elected and new Members needed time to be inducted.

Therefore, the majority of the proposed amendments had been identified through Officer consultation. The amendments included consequential restructure changes to Officer responsibilities and titles, amending the Officer scheme of delegation and the terms of reference to build in better governance arrangements for the Stapleford Towns Fund, Kimberley Levelling Up Fund and UKSPF. A separate exercise had been undertaken concerning the Council’s Financial Regulations and the Code of Conduct.

Members raised the importance of the lack of time to implement a shadow board for an elected mayor. It was requested that this be included on the Work Programme as a standing item in addition to updates on the Devolution Bill, the UKSPF and other related items.

The Committee considered the annual review of the Constitution and stated that there were reservations over allowing professional speakers to represent applicants at Planning Committee, as this may dissuade objectors from speaking. Further comments included that written answers be distributed with the minutes following questions to members at Council meetings. It was suggested that the proposal to require Members to give 28 days’ notice when referring items to Planning Committee should be given further consideration.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor P J Owen and seconded by Councillor J M Owen that the Leader of the Opposition be allowed the right to speak but not vote at meetings of the Cabinet. On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost.

RESOLVED that the amendments to the Constitution be RECOMMENDED to Council for approval.