Meeting documents

There were no declarations of interest.

To agree the Minutes of the previous meeting.

The Minutes of the Governance and Electoral Arrangements Committee held on 22 February 2017 were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

In accordance with the agreed work programme for the review of the Council’s Constitution, the Committee received a report attaching proposed revisions to the procedure rules in Parts 5 and 9 of the Constitution, including Cabinet delegations, and terms of reference for the Licensing & Regulation Committee. The proposed changes were shown in each appendix as track changes.

Whilst reviewing the work programme for the review of the Council’s Constitution it was noted that Part 7 Management Structure, the Scheme of Delegations to Officers and the Proper Officer Function, and Part 8 Rights of Inspection would be considered at the next meeting. This was due to be held on 23 March, however, in light of the work involved, it was agreed that the next meeting would take place on 12 April 2017.

Protocol for Members relating to Gifts and Hospitality

Whilst reviewing the Protocol it noted that this has been renamed to avoid confusion with the Register of Interests. It had also been updated to reflect current legislation and removed reference to legislation no longer in place. Attached to the Protocol were two forms which enabled Members to declare gifts or hospitality over £50, and apply for special consent to accept a gift or hospitality not authorised by the General Consent Provisions of the Protocol. During the discussion it was clarified that there was no requirement to declare gifts or hospitality offered by another Councillor of the same Council or when part of an internal meeting of the Council.

Protocol on Member/Officer Relations

During the discussion it was noted that a new introductory section had been included covering the importance of mutual trust and confidence between Members and officers to ensure effective working and maintain expected standards of conduct. Members welcomed the inclusion of links to the Council’s other policies and protocols, for example organisational values and behaviours.

Code of Practice on Planning Matters

After noting the key changes made to the Code there was a discussion regarding the frequency of Planning Committee meetings. The Committee felt that any proposal to change from 3 to 4 weekly meetings would need to robustly demonstrate that there would be no detrimental affect to performance and highlight any consequential affects.

Protocol on speaking at Planning Committee

Members considered the new Protocol previously part of the Council Procedure Rules. There was a discussion regarding the proposed requirement for written notification, by 1 July each year, confirming the elected Member of the Town or Parish Council authorised to make representations to the Planning Committee on the Council’s behalf. It was suggested that this be amended to provide flexibility for any elected Member from a Parish or Town to speak at the Planning Committee provided that that they were authorised by the Parish or Town Council to make representations, for example by notification from the Parish Clerk. This would also include provision for different elected Members to speak for each planning application, if required.

There was a discussion regarding the time provided for representations from elected Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.