Issue - meetings

The Leader of the Council introduced the Outside Bodies report for 2025/26. As with previous years, the Council received and noted reports from Members appointed to outside bodies, with 18 reports for the 2025/26 civic year appended to the paper. Several changes were highlighted, including the cessation of representation on the Hertford Museum trustee board due to its change in status, and two organisation name changes (England LGA was now Local Government East and the District Council Network was now the Local Council Network). Members serving on outside bodies were thanked for their time and contributions.

Councillor Crystall, Leader of the Council, proposed that the recommendations in the report be supported. Councillor Goldspink seconded the proposal.

Members raised concerns that reports from representatives on some outside bodies had not been provided, particularly in relation to significant organisations such as Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. It was noted that these bodies made an important contribution to residents’ health and wellbeing and should be more effectively reported to Council, with a request that missing reports be brought forward to a future meeting.

The issue of attendance and representation at external meetings, particularly those relating to Stansted Airport, was also discussed. Members emphasised the importance of consistent attendance and questioned whether substitute representatives were in place where appointed Members were unavailable. In response, it was acknowledged that attendance had been impacted by work commitments, although improvements were anticipated. It was confirmed that, where necessary, arrangements would be reviewed, including the potential use of substitutes or changes to representation.

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 reports of Members appointed to Outside Bodies for the 2025 - 26 civic year be received and noted.

(B) That the removal of Hertford Museum Trust from the list of Outside Bodies be noted.

(C) That the change in Councillor representation for Ware Charities be noted.

(D) That the change of name for East of England LGA, now known as Local Government East, be noted.

(E) That the change of name for Local Government District Council Network, now known as Local Council Network, be noted.