Meeting documents

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from C Etholen

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 31 July (previously circulated)

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Regulatory & Appeals Committee held on 31 July 2019 be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any disclosure of disclosable pecuniary interests by Members relating to items on the agenda.  If any Member is uncertain as to whether an interest should be disclosed, he or she is asked if possible to contact the District Solicitor prior to the meeting.

Members are reminded that if they are declaring an interest, they should state the nature of that interest whether or not they are required to withdraw from the meeting. 

There were no declarations of interest required to be reported.

The meeting commenced with a report presentation by the Chairman of the CGR Working Group, summarising the process conducted to carry out the review and the decisions which had been reached at its meeting on 16 December 2019.

Members were informed that following debate the Working Group had been unable to reach a single recommendation but there was most support for the creation of a Town Council for the unparished area with some support for the wards of Micklefield and Sands to be parished separately, and the remainder to be parished as a Town Council. The merits of a deferral of the decision had also been discussed and considered.

A short discussion took place on the report of the working group.  M Clarke was thanked for the report and for the fairness with which he had conducted all meetings of the CGR Working Group.

A presentation by ORS then took place on the main findings of the consultation which had been conducted. Members did express some concern that during the consultation process, the cost of the establishment of Parish Councils had not been explicitly detailed or pointed out to respondents.

Mr Hall from ORS was thanked for his presentation.

A presentation by Bevan Britten was then given which set out the final review report findings and recommendations following the results of the second stage consultation. Members felt that a number of issues were yet to be addressed prior to making a decision on the matter. For example it was highlighted that the Constitution of the new Authority was yet to be completed which would provide further clarity on the new Council structure, together with the potential alternative local governance. Furthermore there was some concern that the costs specified within the report were indicative figures only and that the total amounts could be far greater than mentioned.

After much consideration and debate the Committee decided through a majority of Members that the decision should be deferred allowing the new Council, once elected, to make the decision with the benefit of the detailed governance arrangements for the area, and further information about the financial situation.  It was therefore,

RESOLVED: That;

(i)    The report from ORS on the results of the consultation be received,

(ii)   The final review report prepared by Bevan Britten be received

(iii)  The report be referred to the Shadow Executive of Buckinghamshire Council for a decision with a recommendation from the Committee that the decision be deferred, and that the matter be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity following the establishment of the new Unitary Council.

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Chairman