Issue - meetings

To note the Group Leaders of each Group and the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government Act.

To note the Group Leaders of each Group and the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government Act.

The Chairman presented the report, which set out details of the political groups on the Council, the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee, and the allocation of seats on each of the Committees based on political groupings, noting the reasons for the review as detailed in the report and with the last review having been undertaken at the Annual General Meeting.

This was a matter, which had been determined by the Head of Paid Service under his delegated authority, in Consultation with the Group Leaders, with all Group Leaders having indicated their agreement to the allocations, as such, there was no requirement for a vote.

The Group Leader of the Liberal Democrat Administration addressed the Chamber, and in referencing the reason for the re-balance, proceeded to question the Councillor on her motives. Objections were made across the Chamber and the Chairman called for the comments to refrain from being personal in nature.  Having been granted permission to continue, the Group Leader was again halted from continuing, with the Chairman ruling the debate out of order.

In response to Members’ questions regarding the accuracy of the position stated in the report, in relation to Group Membership and how long the current balance would remain in place, the Monitoring Officer advised that this was the Group Membership as reported to Officers and supported by the required notices.  Should further notice be received, then the political balance would be re-calculated and reported to the next Council Meeting.

Following further questions relating to the pausing of the allocations process based on the balance within the report, the Monitoring Officer reaffirmed her previous position, only on receipt of formal notice could the balance be re-calculated.

With no further questions or comments posed, the following was DULY NOTED: -

(a)        the details of the political groups, as set out in Appendix A of the report,

(b)        the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each committee and sub-committee; and

(c)        the allocation to different political groups of seats on committees/sub-committees, as set out in Appendix B of the report.