Matthew Mannion, Head of Democratic Services, introduced the update report on the Council’s Constitution Review. He reminded Members that Council had agreed the updated Constitution at its meeting on 17 July 2019. The one large piece of outstanding work was to complete the review of the Directorate Schemes of Delegation.

The Committee heard that some progress had been made, and since the last meeting, The Health, Adults and Community Directorate Scheme of Delegation had been completed and published. The Committee were also pleased to note that the Children and Culture Scheme was in the process of completing sign off. However the Place Scheme was still with Legal Services for review.

It was noted that explanatory paragraphs as way of introduction had been included for each directorate scheme of delegation setting out its role and authority. An updated terms of reference of the Audit Committee as attached in Appendix 1 was also put forward to The Committee to be added to the Constitution.

Mr Mannion explained that three amendments had been requested under the Council Procedure Rules, for the GP Committee to consider for inclusion in the Constitution.

Members discussed this and following a brief discussion the following was noted;

• Deadline for Amendments to the Budget

The Committee agreed to bring the deadline for amendments to the budget, forward to 5pm the Friday, before the Council Budget meeting.  

• Ungrouped Members Moving Amendments to Motions and Reports

The Committee did not support the amendment to allow Ungrouped Members to submit amendments to motions and reports without a seconder.

• Change to the order of business

The Committee agreed to bring forward consideration of “Reports from Committees” ahead of “Members Questions” in the Council meeting agenda order.

RESOLVED

1.    That the proposed changes to the Constitution set out in relation to Schemes of Delegation (paragraphs 3.2 to 3.4 and Appendix 2) be noted and the changes to Terms of Reference (paragraphs 3.5 to 3.6 and Appendix 1) be agreed and Council Procedure Rules  (paragraphs 3.7 to 3.12) be agreed as set out above.