Issue - meetings

For the Group’s information - Extract from Cabinet Minute setting up the Group

CAB15: COUNCIL GOVERNANCE

The Chief Executive presented a report which made proposals to Council to set up a non proportional task group of six members (2 Con, 2 Ind and 2 Lab) to review and examine alternative governance models to the current Strong Leader and Cabinet model.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Moriarty thanked the Leader for setting the Task Group up so quickly. He indicated he would be happy with a proportional group.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp asked whether the Council would look at what the County do and piggy back on the research they had undertaken. The Leader confirmed that the Council would be looking at the merits of different schemes to see which would be the right one for the Council.

It was proposed that the Task Group be proportional 3 Con, 2 Ind and 1 Lab.

RECOMMENDED: 1) That a proportional Council Task Group to consider Governance Models, consisting of 6 members (3 Con, 2 Ind, 1 Lab) be established.

2) That a budget of up to £25,000 is established to provide officer support to the task group.

Reason for Decision

To enable members to examine alternative governance models and assess their suitability for the Borough Council.

The Terms of Reference for the Task Group had been agreed by the three group leaders and were included with the agenda.  The Task Group noted them.

In discussing the attendance of members of the Task Group the issue of substitutes was raised and it was agreed that members would not generally send a substitute if they were not able to attend as the group felt that a sub would not be as well informed as members of the group.

RECOMMENDED:  1)       That a proportional Council Task Group to consider Governance Models, consisting of 6 members (3 Con, 2 Ind, 1 Lab) be established.

2)       That a budget of up to £25,000 is established to provide officer support to the task group.

Reason for Decision

To enable members to examine alternative governance models and assess their suitability for the Borough Council.

The Chief Executive presented a report which made proposals to Council to set up a non proportional task group of six members (2 Con, 2 Ind and 2 Lab) to review and examine alternative governance models to the current Strong Leader and Cabinet model.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Moriarty thanked the Leader for setting the Task Group up so quickly.  He indicated he would be happy with a proportional group. 

Under standing order 34 Councillor Kemp asked whether the Council would look at what the County do and piggy back on the research they had undertaken.  The Leader confirmed that the Council would be looking at the merits of different schemes to see which would be the right one for the Council.

It was proposed that the Task Group be proportional 3 Con, 2 Ind and 1 Lab.

RECOMMENDED:  1)       That a proportional Council Task Group to consider Governance Models, consisting of 6 members (3 Con, 2 Ind, 1 Lab) be established.

2)       That a budget of up to £25,000 is established to provide officer support to the task group.

Reason for Decision

To enable members to examine alternative governance models and assess their suitability for the Borough Council.