Issue - meetings

Members considered a report outlining the 2020 budget consultation process.  West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) were members of the Consultation Institute and in accordance with best practice it was ensured that all consultations were legal and that appropriate processes were in place to lower the risk of a judicial review.

Members questioned what would happen if they did not accept recommendation 1, particularly as the consultation had already opened despite the report advising this would not happen until July. Members expressed deep dissatisfaction that they had learnt of the consultation prior to being asked to comment on it, and did not consider this an appropriate way to engage elected Members.

The Finance and Business Support Manager apologised for the error in the timetable, which should have read June.  The Chief Executive also expressed his personal apologies, accepting that he would have preferred Members had greater involvement and given greater consideration, however unfortunately on this occasion this had not been the case.  With pressures across the team from elsewhere, it was an unfortunate situation and was not a common practice of the authority.

In light of the comments made throughout the debate, the Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee undertook to look at how the Council undertook consultations going forward, in a bid to improve practise, where possible, and would discuss this at his next briefing.

In light of the comments made throughout the debate, it was suggested that the wording of recommendation 1 be amended to remove the word ‘accept’ and replace with ‘ratify’.  This was moved and seconded.

Following the vote, it was RESOLVED to:

(a)     Ratify the Budget Consultation process; and

(b)     Send a copy of the consultation video to all Members of the Committee.