Decision details

Council considered a report proposing an amendment to the scheme of substitution for Development Management Committee meetings.  This set out revised arrangements for notification of substitutes on this Committee only being given via the Committee Chairmen or the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support.

The Head of Democratic and Legal Support Services advised that, given the Leader’s earlier statement regarding the Deputy Leader position (Minute 348 refers), the recommendation should be amended with the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support replacing the Deputy Leader in the notification process.

Councillor T Page questioned whether the proposed change could lead to a perception by the public that undue influence would be exercised on the Committee membership for any particular meeting.  He clarified that he did not cast any negative aspersions on the integrity of the current Committee Chairman or Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support.

The Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support expressed support for the proposal by referring to the high workload for each Committee Member and the difficulties each faced with attending every meeting.  The proposed arrangements would enable greater sharing of the workload, enhanced succession planning and provide for a greater rotation of Members involved in decision-making.

Council approved the proposal as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that paragraph 4.3(iii) of Part 4a (Council Procedural Rules) of the Constitution be amended to read:

“after notification has been given by the absent Member to the Head of Democratic and Legal Support Services at least 24 hours before the meeting of the intended substitution.  This does not apply to the Development Management Committee where the required notification must be either to the Committee Chairman or the Executive Member for Development Management and Council Support who, in turn, will notify the Committee service at least 7 hours before commencement of the Development Management Committee meeting.  The duration of the substitution shall form part of the notification.”