Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council presented the Outside Bodies Review 2024/25. He said that at the last Annual Council meeting in 2024, it agreed to carry out a review of the list of Outside Bodies to find out which ones were still in operation and which ones were no longer required. He thanked Democratic Services for carrying out the review and for chasing up the organisations for a response. The Leader said that Annual Council normally reviewed the annual reports from Members appointed to the bodies but due to the review taking place, a refreshed list would be presented to a future meeting of the Council.

Councillor Crystall proposed that the recommendations in the report be supported. Councillor Swainston seconded the proposal.

Councillor E Buckmaster said these partnerships with Outside Bodies were really important. He referred to page 189 which had an error. The Health Scrutiny Hertford should read Health Scrutiny Hertfordshire.

Councillor Daar felt it was disappointing that there was no representation on the housing association covering Hertford and Ware.

Councillor Goldspink said that there had been a change of leadership at the housing association and she had met briefly with the new representatives. They were aware of the need to have regular meetings with councillors and she hoped she would have an update on this soon.

Councillor Connolly said that as there were two associations merging into one imminently, it might be useful to visit when the new leadership were in post to maintain communication with them.

Councillor Williams said that issues with the housing association was the most popular reasons why residents got in touch with him so felt it was important to get something set up with them.

The motion to support the recommendations having been proposed and seconded was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Outside Bodies’ Review 2024/25 report be received;

(B)    with effect from the commencement of the municipal year 2025/26 East Herts Council no longer appoint representatives to the Outside Bodies tabled in Appendix A;

(C)    with effect from the commencement of the municipal year 2025/26 East Herts Council appoint representatives to the Outside Bodies tabled in Appendix B;

(D)  Members appointed to Outside Bodies continue to give an annual update report to Council on the key points from their attendance.