Agenda item

To receive a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report proposing amendments to the Constitution and drew attention to some typographical errors, which he corrected.

Councillor E Buckmaster opposed the proposal for Members’ questions to not be read out, on the basis that it would disadvantage the public watching the webcast.  He believed that the proposed change on supplementary questions detailed at paragraph 4.1.3 of the report, was unnecessary as the Chairman had this right in any case. 

In response to a question from Councillor E Buckmaster, the Director of Internal Services confirmed that the establishment and application of earmarked reserves would still be subject to approval by Council.

Councillor Mrs M H Goldspink proposed, and Councillor V Shaw, seconded an amendment to the effect that the proposed amendments be approved, subject to deleting the proposed changes detailed at paragraphs 4.1.2 and 5.1.1.

Councillor Mrs M H Goldspink echoed the comments of Councillor E Buckmaster in respect of Members’ questions and believed that approving this change would be a disservice to the public.  In respect of the scrutiny process, she believed that the proposed change would hamper the opportunity for Members to contribute to the decision-making process if items were not submitted to scrutiny.

Councillor V Shaw supported the amendments and referred to the need for transparency in the Council’s decision-making processes.

Various Members agreed that the proposed change at paragraph 4.1.2 relating to Members’ questions not being read out should be deleted.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, this element of the amendment was declared CARRIED.

In respect of the amendment relating to scrutiny, a number of Members commented on its meaning and impact on the work of scrutiny.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, this element of the amendment was declared LOST.

Councillor J O Ranger moved, and Councillor A Burlton seconded, an amendment that the proposed changes at paragraph 5.1 of the report, be deferred for clarification by Officers until the next meeting of Council.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, this amendment was declared CARRIED.

Council approved the recommendations as now amended.

RESOLVED - that the amendments to the Constitution, as now submitted, be approved, subject to:

(A)      deleting the proposed changes at paragraph 4.1.2 of the report submitted; and

(B)      deferring the proposed changes at paragraph 5.1 to the next Council meeting, pending further clarification.