Agenda item

This report sets out the position regarding the overall allocation of seats on committees. On 25 April 2013, the Council agreed to make recommendations to this meeting regarding the committees and other bodies to be appointed for 2013/2014 and a programme of meetings.

The Council is also asked to make recommendations to the Joint Meeting of Committees immediately following the Annual Meeting of the Council, in respect of the appointment of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of committees and the establishment and membership of sub-committees and task groups.

Discussion:

This report provided details of the position regarding the overall allocation of seats on committees and set out a number of recommendations regarding the membership of Committees, Joint Committees and other bodies, and the schedule of meetings for 2013/2014.

The report asked Council to make recommendations to the Joint Meeting of All Committees, immediately following the Annual Meeting of the Council, which set out details of the establishment and membership of Sub-Committees and Task Groups. It also included details relating to the appointment of an Independent Person in respect of Councillor conduct issues.

An addendum report was tabled at the meeting which provided an update and recommendations in relation to the appointment of an Independent Person in respect of Councillor conduct issues and also included appendices A and B to the report (Supplementary Agenda No.1).

Decision:

(a)   The Council agreed the establishment of committees, their size and the allocation of seats to political groups as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report together with terms of reference as set out in the Council’s Constitution.

(b)   The Council agreed the establishment of an ad hoc committee to consider the removal of Council appointed school governors as and when necessary and to waive political balance in respect of this Committee.

(c)   The Council agreed the membership of each committee as set out in Appendix A to the report, including the appointment of voting and non-voting co-optees on Committees as listed.

(d)   The Council agreed the appointments to Joint Committees, outside bodies and other bodies as set out in Appendix B to the report.

(e)   The Council agreed that the membership of the National Association of Councillors should be discontinued as suggested by Group Whips.

(f)     The Council agreed the timetable of meetings for the 2013/2014 municipal year as set out in Appendix C to the report.

(g)   The Council recommended to the Joint Meeting of Committees the appointment of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Committees as set out in Appendix A to the report.

(h)   The Council recommended to the Joint Meeting of Committees the establishment of sub committees (with terms of reference as set out in the Council’s constitution), task groups, their size and the allocation of seats to political groups as set out in Appendix A to the report.

(i)     The Council agreed the appointment of Martin Pilkington as the Independent Person under section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011 from the date of this meeting until the end of the 2014/15 Municipal Year, to carry out the functions required by section 28(7). Note: A majority of Members of the Council agreed this recommendation.

(j)      The Council agreed the appointment of Rose Davies as the Independent Person under section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011 when Martin Pilkington has a conflict of interest which prevents him carrying out his roleor if the role of the Independent Person is vacant for any other reason from the date of this meeting until the end of the 2014/15 Municipal Year, to carry out the functions required by section 28(7). Note: A majority of Members of the Council agreed this recommendation.