Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 October 2019 (herewith).

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 22 October 2019 were confirmed, subject to the correction of the heading on Minute CNL 29, and would then be signed.

The Mayor to report apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Sally Dickson, Jan Floyd-Douglass, George Hesse, Michaela Martin, Nick Palmer, and Liz Townsend.

To receive from Members, declarations of interest in relation to any items included on the agenda for this meeting in accordance with the Waverley Code of Local Government Conduct.

There were no interests declared in relation to items on the agenda.

To receive any communications or announcements from the Mayor.

39.1     The Mayor began by announcing that following the Council meeting she would draw the raffle for the Christmas cake that had been made and decorated by Cllr Peter Isherwood. All proceeds would go to the Mayor’s charity, Mane Chance.

39.2     The Mayor had enjoyed many attending many events, including the reception for Waverley volunteers at Charterhouse; the Remembrance Sunday service in Cranleigh where she had had the honour of leading the procession; and the Waverley staff long-service awards. This had been a great event, celebrating the contribution of long-standing members of staff:

                        For 40 years of service           Diane Hale

For 30 years of service           Ailsa Woodruff, Lorraine Wilson, David Ridley, Tracey Langdon, and Carole Sharpe

For 20 years of service           Jackie Hammick, Michelle Newman, Gisella de Gennaro, Jo Dawes, Julie Jones and Debourah Holland

            The Mayor also thanked Tania Cadman for her work in organising the event and the certificates of long-service.

39.3     The Mayor reported that she felt an important part of her role was networking and bringing people together to find common ground. Recently, together with the High Sherriff, the International Rotarians from Cranleigh, and other dignitaries from across Waverley, the Mayor had met with His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad at Islamabad in Tilford. This was a unique experience, and as a result of the meeting it was hoped that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would fund the building of a hospital in Africa, and the Rotarians would fund the running of the hospital as a joint project.

39.4     The Mayor’s Christmas Fayre had been well attended, and the Mayor thanked Cllr Jackie Keen and Cllr Peter Isherwood for making Christmas cakes for the raffle, and also John Sandy and Alison Burrows for their help in the arrangements.

To receive any communications or announcements from the Leader.

40.1     The Leader advised Members that he had come to an agreement with the Leader of the Principal Opposition Group on the seating plan for Council, which he hoped that all Members were happy with. He went on to wish all Members and Officers a very happy Christmas.

To respond to questions from members of the public, received in accordance with Procedure Rule 10.

The deadline for receipt of questions is 5pm on Tuesday 3 December 2019.

41.1    The following question was received from Mrs Thoreya Swage, of Farnham, in accordance with Procedure Rule 10:

“What plans (and commitment) does the council have to double tree cover in the area?”

Response from the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Steve Williams:

“I fully endorse the sentiments of the campaign to double tree cover as part of a nationwide response to the Climate Emergency and Waverley is committed to tree planting within the Borough as part of our own response to the Climate Emergency and commitment to net zero carbon by 2030.

To ensure appropriate planting the Council is creating a tree planting policy for the Borough over the coming year, this will allow the identification and consideration of sites and species of trees. It is sensible that this works in line with our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Surrey County Council’s commitment to planting 1.2m trees. It would also be advisable before committing to planting figures that we have the facts on our actual carbon footprint. It is also worth noting that we are already a heavily wooded borough on average in England tree cover sits around 13% Waverley is already around 33%.”

Mrs Swage was not present at the Council meeting, and Cllr Williams advised that a written copy of the response would be sent to her.

To respond to any questions received from Members of the Council in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.2.

The deadline for receipt of questions is 5pm on Tuesday 3 December 2019.

42.1    The following question was received from Cllr John Gray:

            “I submit this question as a member (and the owner of an EV) under Procedure rule 11.2.

Would the Council explain why the EV charging point in Cranleigh is from a tied company scheme requiring membership rather than allowing payment to be made by credit card at time of use. The charges for the use is 30p per KW and an additional charge of £1 each time it is used. Could the council explain what other charge structures were considered and do they consider this is a cost effective supply to residents in line with the comments made to the O&S Environment Committee on 25th November page 82 para 3.5.

John Gray”

Response from the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Steve Williams:

“The system operating on our EV charging points is not one that requires a membership. It is a pay as you go system, there is no joining fee and you do not need to pay any monthly subscription. Customers are asked to load money onto an app via a credit or debit card (the user can choose to save the card details in the app if they wish, it is not a requirement to do so). The pre-loaded money is then debited following a charge session, any monies can be refunded at any time, via a simple request on the app.

The tariff is broken into two elements to help with usage. By asking a connection fee, the company can reduce the cost per KW. This encourages the user to take a longer charge and often ensures the charger is free for those who need it. A connection fee is a standard practice in this market, especially when it comes to rapid chargers.

To help show this calculation, shown below are companies who do not charge a connection fee. On average there is a KW take of circa 21KW per vehicle. By using the connection fee (rather than a higher KW cost) our supplier can ensure a cost effective charge for users.

21KW take:

Geniepoint total cost : £7.30 (30p per KW, £1 connection fee)

Ecotricity: £8.19 (39p per KW, no connection fee)

Shell recharge: £8.19 (39p per KW, no connection fee)

Instavolt: £7.35 (35p per KW, no connection fee)

This shows that our tariff (Geniepoint) becomes a far more cost effective way of charging a user. As battery sizes increase and charges become longer, this cost gap will only increase in favour of our customers. The machines also have tri-headed rapid chargers (AC & DC connections) unlike some of the companies mentioned above. This ensures ANYONE, hybrid or EV, can take a charge from our chargers.

In terms of contactless payment, this is something the company are currently looking into and they are planning to roll this out across our network in the spring/summer of 2020.”

42.2    Cllr Gray responded to make a point of personal explanation, and thanked Cllr Williams  ...  view the full minutes text for item CNL42.

The Mayor advised Council that the Leader had requested that all votes at the meeting be taken as recorded votes using the electronic voting system. His request was supported by five Members and she had agreed to the request.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12, Councillor Jerry Hyman proposes the following motion:

“That the Council instructs Officers to

(i)            reinstate the moratorium on the granting of consents to new housing within the visitor catchment zones of the Thames Basin and Wealden Heath SPAs (which was implemented temporarily from May last year), with immediate effect, and to

(ii)           suspend the Waverley Avoidance Strategy,

(and to advise relevant developers and other interested parties as appropriate),until such time as the requisite evidence and appropriate assessments have been produced in accordance with all relevant legislation; 

and in order to enable limited development to be lawfully consented through the ‘exceptions tests’ of ‘Habitats’ Art.6(4) and Reg,64,

that the Council further instructs Officers to write to Natural England requesting that they provide the information necessary for  Waverley to conduct complete appropriate assessments of the Local Plan, Avoidance Strategy and relevant planning applications, to specifically include all currently available and relevant information evidence in respect of

(iii)          the robustness of the current (2009) TBHSPA Delivery Framework strategy and SANG Standards,

(iv)          population data and dynamics (historic to date, and trends) for the 3 relevant bird species, for the Thames Basin and Wealden Heath SPAs,

(v)           the current Conservation Status, and the necessary specific Favourable Status Conservation Objectives for the habitats and species of those SPAs, 

(vi)          the measured effectiveness of On-site, Local and Strategic SANGs in displacing visitor pressure and disturbance from the SPAs to SANGs,

(vii)        the extent to which SANG provision and promotion encourages dog ownership in the area over time, and

(viii)       the measured effectiveness of the SAMM Strategy,

and if any of that requested information is not currently available, that Officers request that Natural England advises when that information is likely to become available.”

The Leader has confirmed that the motion will be dealt with at the Council meeting.

43.1    Cllr Jerry Hyman proposed the following motion, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12:

“That the Council instructs Officers to

(i)            reinstate the moratorium on the granting of consents to new housing within the visitor catchment zones of the Thames Basin and Wealden Heath SPAs (which was implemented temporarily from May last year), with immediate effect, and to

(ii)          suspend the Waverley Avoidance Strategy,

(and to advise relevant developers and other interested parties as appropriate),until such time as the requisite evidence and appropriate assessments have been produced in accordance with all relevant legislation; 

and in order to enable limited development to be lawfully consented through the ‘exceptions tests’ of ‘Habitats’ Art.6(4) and Reg,64,

that the Council further instructs Officers to write to Natural England requesting that they provide the information necessary for  Waverley to conduct complete appropriate assessments of the Local Plan, Avoidance Strategy and relevant planning applications, to specifically include all currently available and relevant information evidence in respect of

(iii)         the robustness of the current (2009) TBHSPA Delivery Framework strategy and SANG Standards,

(iv)         population data and dynamics (historic to date, and trends) for the 3 relevant bird species, for the Thames Basin and Wealden Heath SPAs,

(v)          the current Conservation Status, and the necessary specific Favourable Status Conservation Objectives for the habitats and species of those SPAs, 

(vi)         the measured effectiveness of On-site, Local and Strategic SANGs in displacing visitor pressure and disturbance from the SPAs to SANGs,

(vii)        the extent to which SANG provision and promotion encourages dog ownership in the area over time, and

(viii)       the measured effectiveness of the SAMM Strategy,

and if any of that requested information is not currently available, that Officers request that Natural England advises when that information is likely to become available.”

The Leader had confirmed that the motion would be dealt with at the Council meeting.

43.2    The Mayor invited Cllr Hyman to explain the purpose of his Motion. Cllr Hyman explained that the purpose was a simple, process matter that would show how the council’s responsibilities to endangered species could be met. It followed on from his questions to the Executive and Council in October, and the Climate Emergency motion passed by the Council in September. The Officer report on the Climate Emergency had referred to the Intergovernmental Science – Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services report highlighting nature’s dangerous decline and unprecedented rates of species extinction. The Council had accepted its responsibility in respect of endangered species, and the purpose of the Motion was to show that it was serious about that. National Planning Policy Guidance on Appropriate Assessments was issued in the summer, and the Council had accepted that it had to carry out Appropriate Assessments of mitigation measures in respect of endangered habitats. The Motion was simply a matter of whether the Council had an Appropriate Assessment: if it didn’t, councillors would be expected to vote in favour of the Motion; if it did have an Appropriate Assessment that was complete, councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item CNL43.

To receive the Minutes of the Executive meetings held on 5 November 2019 and 26 November 2019 [attached – coloured grey] and to consider the recommendations set out within.

There are two Part I matters recommended to Council for decision within the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 November. Details of these are set out below.

Members of the Council wishing to speak on any Part II matters of report must give notice to the Democratic Services Team by midday on Tuesday 10 December 2019.

44.1     It was moved by the Leader of the Council, Cllr John Ward, duly seconded by the Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Follows, and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meetings of the Executive held on 5 November and 26 November 2019 be received and noted.

There were two Part 1 items for Council’s consideration.

The Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019 – 2023 will replace the expiring Communications and Public Relations Strategy, and seeks to improve and modernise the Communications and Engagement service at the Council. It will require a significant shift in terms of operations, expectations, prioritisation and culture. It will provide better value for money for the Council, help improve relations with stakeholders by ensuring their views are heard, and be vital in supporting the delivery and success of important council initiatives and priorities.

The Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019 – 2023 is attached at Annexe 1.

Recommendation

That the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019 – 2023 is approved.

45.1     Cllr Paul Follows, as Portfolio Holder for Communications and Engagement, introduced the proposed Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023, which would replace the previous Communications and Public Relations Strategy 2015-2019. The Strategy elaborated on the communications themes of the Corporate Strategy, and sought to improve and modernise the communications function with a more ethical and scientific approach, and bringing engagement explicitly into the strategy. Cllr Follows commended the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 to Council for approval.

45.2     Councillors had a number of comments on the proposed Strategy:

-        Cllr Goodridge was broadly content with the proposed approach and pleased to see that traditional communication channels were still seen as important. He asked that communications between councillors be open and transparent and that questions asked of the Leadership receive a prompt response. He also asked about the financial implications of implementing the new approach. Cllr Deanus and Cllr Cosser also emphasised the need to prioritise communications between the Executive Members and back-bench Members.

-        Cllr Cockburn made a number of points about the potential for harm to be caused by what she felt had been uncontrolled communications from some Members in relation to the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan review. She was broadly supportive of the Strategy, although personally questioned whether communication was not more of an art and skill rather than a science; and reiterated comments that communication needed to be two-way, and not just broadcast information.

-        Cllr Hyman and Cllr Gray also expressed support. Cllr Hyman asked that performance be evaluated against the Strategy via Overview and Scrutiny and the Executive.

45.3     Cllr Follows responded to the points raised by Members in their comments and explained that the Strategy would be implemented with existing resources, and the aim was to make the production of Your Waverley cost-neutral by selling space for appropriate advertisements. He committed to working to make communications with councillors as high a priority as communication with residents.

45.4     The Leader summed up and responded to specific comments made regarding the review of Local Plan Part 1, and the change of date of the Council meeting, and commended the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 to Council for approval.

45.5     The Mayor moved the recommendation that the Communications and Engagement Strategy 2019-2023 be approved. As previously agreed, a recorded vote was taken using the electronic voting:

            For:      46

Cllrs Brian Adams, Christine Baker, David Beaman, Roger Blishen, Peter Clark, Carole Cockburn, Richard Cole, Steve Cosser, Martin D’Arcy, Jerome Davidson, Kevin Deanus, Simon Dear, Brian Edmonds, Patricia Ellis, David Else, Jenny Else, Paul Follows, Michael Goodridge, John Gray,  Joan Heagin, Val Henry, Chris Howard, Dan Hunt, Jerry Hyman, Peter Isherwood, Jacquie Keen, Robert Knowles, Anna James, Andy MacLeod, Peter Marriott, Peter Martin, Mark Merryweather, Stephen Mulliner, John Neale, Peter Nicholson, Julia Potts, Ruth Reed, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, John Robini, Anne-Marie Rosoman, Trevor Sadler, Richard Seaborne, John Ward, Steve Williams, George Wilson.

            Against:          None

            Abstentions:  2

Cllrs Mary Foryszewski and Penny Marriott.

            The motion was carried.

            RESOLVED that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CNL45.

Issues relating to irresponsible dog ownership have featured highly in feedback from the public, and the Council has made a PSPO in relation to dog-fouling. Following extensive consultation, it is now recommended that a second PSPO is made in relation to dog controls, including dogs on lead by direction, dogs on lead, and dog exclusion zones. The proposed PSPO has been revised following consultation to strike a balance between the rights of dog-owners and the rights of other people to enjoy open spaces.

Details of the consultation process undertaken and the draft PSPO (Dog Control) are set out in the attached report, and the draft PSPO is attached at Annexe 1.

Recommendation

That the proposed Public Space Protection Order in respect of dog controls be made.

46.1     The Leader introduced the proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to dog control. He reminded Members that the Council had already made a PSPO in relation to dog-fouling. Following extensive consultation, the Executive was now recommending that a second PSPO be made in relation to dog controls including dogs on lead by direction, dogs on leads, and dog exclusion zones.

46.2     In order to future-proof the PSPO and address an issue already identified relating to an area in Alfold that was not included in the Schedule to the Order, the Leader proposed the following additional recommendation:

            “That Council delegates authority to the Head of Environmental & Regulatory Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and relevant Ward Members to vary, extend or delete the specific areas affected by the PSPO as listed within the Schedule of Land. Any such amendments will be subject to consultation and publicity/notification requirements (in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State).

46.3     The addition of the recommendation was seconded by Cllr Follows. Cllr Deanus thanked the Leader for the additional recommendation, which he felt was a sensible approach, and would address a specific need in Alfold. There were no other speakers on the amendment, which the Mayor put to the vote:

            For:      46

Cllrs Brian Adams, Christine Baker, David Beaman, Roger Blishen, Peter Clark, Carole Cockburn, Richard Cole, Steve Cosser, Martin D’Arcy, Jerome Davidson, Kevin Deanus, Simon Dear, Brian Edmonds, Patricia Ellis, David Else, Jenny Else, Paul Follows, Michael Goodridge, John Gray,  Joan Heagin, Val Henry, Chris Howard, Dan Hunt, Jerry Hyman, Peter Isherwood, Jacquie Keen, Robert Knowles, Anna James, Andy MacLeod, Peter Marriott, Peter Martin, Mark Merryweather, Stephen Mulliner, John Neale, Peter Nicholson, Julia Potts, Ruth Reed, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, John Robini, Anne-Marie Rosoman, Trevor Sadler, Richard Seaborne, John Ward, Steve Williams, George Wilson.

            Against:          None

            Abstentions:  2

Cllrs Mary Foryszewski and Penny Marriott.

            The amendment was carried.

46.4    Turning to the PSPO itself Members were broadly supportive, although a number had specific queries regarding the impact within their own wards. Councillor Wilson asked if professional dog-walkers could be required to have public liability insurance. The Leader agreed that professional dog-walkers could be a problem, but insurance matters were not within Waverley’s control.

46.5    The Mayor put the recommendation, that the PSPO be approved, including the delegation to enable amendments to the Schedule.  

            For:      46

Cllrs Brian Adams, Christine Baker, David Beaman, Roger Blishen, Peter Clark, Carole Cockburn, Richard Cole, Steve Cosser, Martin D’Arcy, Jerome Davidson, Kevin Deanus, Simon Dear, Brian Edmonds, Patricia Ellis, David Else, Jenny Else, Paul Follows, Michael Goodridge, John Gray,  Joan Heagin, Val Henry, Chris Howard, Dan Hunt, Jerry Hyman, Peter Isherwood, Jacquie Keen, Robert Knowles, Anna James, Andy MacLeod, Peter Marriott, Peter Martin, Mark Merryweather, Stephen Mulliner, John Neale, Peter Nicholson, Julia Potts, Ruth Reed, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, John Robini, Anne-Marie Rosoman, Trevor Sadler, Richard Seaborne, John Ward, Steve Williams, George Wilson.

            Against:          None

            Abstentions:  2

Cllrs Mary Foryszewski and Penny Marriott.

            The  ...  view the full minutes text for item CNL46.

To receive the Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on 26 November 2019 [attached – coloured lilac] and to consider the recommendations set out within.

There is one Part I matter recommended to Council, set out below.

Members of the Council wishing to speak on any Part II matters of report must give notice to the Democratic Services Team by midday on Tuesday 10 December 2019.

47.1     It was moved by Cllr Peter Marriott, Chairman of the Audit Committee, duly seconded by the Cllr Jerome Davidson, Vice-Chairman, and

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meetings of the Audit Committee held on 26 November 2019 be received and noted.

There was one Part 1 item for Council’s consideration.

The Council’s Financial Regulations have been reviewed, and three changes are proposed that lead to improvements in process and efficiency. The proposed updates are shown as tracked changes in the attached document.

The changes relate to:

-       FR 4.3, approval of budget carry forwards by the S151 Officer;

-       FR 7.2, approval of fees and charges by the S151 Officer in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders; and,

-       the Glossary, with the addition of a definition of Key Financial Systems.

Recommendation

The Audit Committee recommends that revised Financial Regulations are approved, along with the consequential change to the Scheme of Delegation to delete the equivalent delegation to the S151 Officer (reference E3) which becomes redundant.

48.1     Cllr Peter Marriott outlined the proposed amendments to the Financial Regulations, which were shown as tracked changes in the document attached to the agenda. The Audit Committee had reviewed the proposed changes robustly and were satisfied they struck an appropriate balance between control and improved efficiency. The Audit Committee recommended that Council approved the revised Financial Regulations.

48.2     There were no speakers on the revised Financial Regulations, and the Mayor put the recommendation that Council approve the revised Financial Regulations.

            For:      46

Cllrs Brian Adams, Christine Baker, David Beaman, Roger Blishen, Peter Clark, Carole Cockburn, Richard Cole, Steve Cosser, Martin D’Arcy, Jerome Davidson, Kevin Deanus, Simon Dear, Brian Edmonds, Patricia Ellis, David Else, Jenny Else, Paul Follows, Michael Goodridge, John Gray,  Joan Heagin, Val Henry, Chris Howard, Dan Hunt, Jerry Hyman, Peter Isherwood, Jacquie Keen, Robert Knowles, Anna James, Andy MacLeod, Peter Marriott, Peter Martin, Mark Merryweather, Stephen Mulliner, John Neale, Peter Nicholson, Julia Potts, Ruth Reed, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, John Robini, Anne-Marie Rosoman, Trevor Sadler, Richard Seaborne, John Ward, Steve Williams, George Wilson.

            Against:          None

            Abstentions:  2

Cllrs Mary Foryszewski and Penny Marriott.

            The recommendation was carried.

            RESOLVED that the revised Financial Regulations be approved.

49.1     Cllr Richard Seaborne and Cllr Simon Dear both commented on the discussion that had taken place at the Audit Committee on the revisions to the Contract Procurement Rules with regard to the role of procurement in encouraging contractors to consider the carbon impact of their services, and helping Waverley to reduce its own carbon footprint. The Audit Committee had asked officers to consult with the Climate Change Advisory Group to ensure that the Contract Procurement Rules supported fully the Council’s climate emergency action plan.

To agree the outcome of the compulsory review of polling places and polling districts in Waverley borough, including a few changes to polling stations as set out in the appendices, with effect from May 2020. This review does not affect the December 2019 Parliamentary Election.

Appendix C, showing the locations of the polling stations, are provided as an agenda supplement.

Recommendation

The Council is recommended to note the conclusion of the compulsory review of polling district and polling places, and to approve the list of future polling places as set out in Appendix B.

50.1     Tom Horwood, Chief Executive and Electoral Returning Officer, introduced the report on the Compulsory Polling District and Polling Place Review. This was the outcome of the compulsory five-yearly review, which followed a formal process including publication of notices of the review, which took place in August 2019, and consideration of representations received. No changes were proposed to Waverley’s Polling Districts. Mr Horwood emphasised that none of the proposed changes to Polling Places would be implemented before the General Election on Thursday 12 December. 

50.2     Mr Horwood thanked Waverley Councillors, Town and Parish councillors, and others for their engagement with the review, and confirmed that further changes to Polling Places could be made in between the compulsory five-yearly reviews.

50.3     The Leader moved the recommendation, which was seconded by the Deputy Leader, that the Council note the conclusion of the compulsory review of Polling Districts and Polling Places, and approve the list of future Polling Places as detailed in Appendix B of the report. Cllr Cosser spoke to thank Charterhouse School and officers for identifying an alternative Polling Place to the Scout Hut for the Charterhouse ward. Charterhouse School was the obvious location for a Polling Place and this was a very welcome improvement to polling arrangements.

50.4     The Mayor put the recommendation to the vote:

For:      45

Cllrs Brian Adams, Christine Baker, David Beaman, Roger Blishen, Peter Clark, Carole Cockburn, Richard Cole, Steve Cosser, Martin D’Arcy, Jerome Davidson, Kevin Deanus, Simon Dear, Brian Edmonds, Patricia Ellis, David Else, Jenny Else, Paul Follows, Michael Goodridge, John Gray,  Joan Heagin, Val Henry, Chris Howard, Dan Hunt, Jerry Hyman, Peter Isherwood, Jacquie Keen, Robert Knowles, Anna James, Andy MacLeod, Peter Marriott, Peter Martin, Mark Merryweather, Stephen Mulliner, John Neale, Peter Nicholson, Julia Potts, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, John Robini, Anne-Marie Rosoman, Trevor Sadler, Richard Seaborne, John Ward, Steve Williams, George Wilson.

            Against:          None

            Abstentions:  3

Cllrs Mary Foryszewski, Penny Marriott and Ruth Reed.

The recommendation was carried.

RESOLVED that Council noted the conclusion of the compulsory review of Polling Districts and Polling Places, and approved the list of future Polling Places as detailed in Appendix B of the report.

The Council is required to review the allocation of seats on the principal committees as soon as practicable after any change in the political composition of the Council to ensure that seats are allocated in the same proportion as that in which the council as a whole is divided.

This report summarises the change to the political composition of the Council following the resignation of Cllr Townsend from the Conservative Group and the death of Cllr Lee (Independent), and consequent impact on the allocation of committee seats.

Recommendation

The Council is recommended to note:

1.      the proportional allocation of seats on the Principal Committees, Area Planning Committees and SCC Local Committee in accordance with the political proportionality of the Council; and,

2.      the Group Leaders’ nominations to the Principal Committees, as detailed in Annexe 1.

51.1     The Mayor introduced the reporting setting out the revised proportionality of seats on committees and allocation of committee seats following Cllr Jack Lee’s death and the resignation of Cllr Townsend from the Conservative Group to become an Independent councillor. The details were set out in the report, including adjustments to the committee memberships which had been agreed with the relevant Group Leaders, which the Mayor invited Council to note.

51.2     Council RESOLVED nem con to note:

1.    the proportional allocation of seats on the Principal Committees, Area Planning Committees and SCC Local Committee in accordance with the political proportionality of the Council; and,

2.    the Group Leaders’ nominations to the Principal Committees, as detailed in Annexe 1 of the report.