Agenda item

This report sets out, for formal approval, the proposed Heads of Terms of the Inter-Authority Agreement (IAA) between Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils, together with draft terms of reference for a proposed new Joint Governance Committee, which will, amongst other matters, be responsible for periodically reviewing the IAA and the risk assessment associated with the collaboration.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Council consider this report and the attached annexes and to adopt the following recommendations:

(1)  That the draft Heads of Terms of the Inter-Authority Agreement setting out the formal governance arrangements for joint working between Guildford and Waverley, as set out in Annexe 1 to this report, be approved.

(2)  That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to enter into the final Inter-Authority Agreement on behalf of Waverley Borough Council.

(3)  That the collaboration Risk Assessment, as set out in Annexe 2 be approved.

(4)  That the establishment of a Joint Governance Committee and its proposed composition and terms of reference, as set out in Annexe 3 to this report, be approved.

(5)  That the Joint Governance Committee be authorised to approve its standing orders at its first meeting.

(6)  That, subject to approval of paragraph (4) above, Waverley’s numerical allocation of seats to the political groups on the proposed Joint Governance Committee shall be as follows:

Conservative: two seats

Farnham Residents: two seats

Liberal Democrats: two seats

(7)  That the nominations for membership and substitute membership of the Joint Governance Committee for the 2022-23 municipal year, be considered at the Annual Council meeting on 17 May 2022.

(8)  That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend the Constitution to incorporate the establishment of the Joint Governance Committee, and its terms of reference; and, subject to paragraph (5) above, its standing orders.

110.1   The Leader of the Council introduced the report, which set out the draft Head of Terms of the Inter-Authority Agreement for the collaboration between Guildford and Waverley Councils  The report also included the risk register for the process and the proposed terms of reference for the governance of the ongoing process.  The Leader thanked the officers from both Councils involved in drafting the agreement and the Members of both Councils involved in the joint working group which had met on a number of occasions to progress the drafting of the Heads of Terms for presentation to both Councils.  He welcomed their input, challenge and scrutiny in the process and advised that the draft Heads of Terms had been agreed by Guildford Borough Council earlier that month.

110.2   Councillor Mulliner spoke on the item, welcoming the opportunity to be involved in the joint working group and the development of the risk register, although cautioned that this should not be taken as an indication of his support for the project.  He expressed some concern over the predicted savings and benefits of the collaboration.

110.3   Councillors Seaborne, Martin and Goodridge spoke on the item, echoing the concerns raised and expressing concern over the timing and risks of the project.

110.4   Councillors Clark, Heagin and Merryweather spoke in support of the work and progress to date with the collaboration.

110.5   The Leader responded to the points raised in the debate and reiterated his thanks to all those involved in the drafting of the Heads of Terms.  The Borough Solicitor confirmed that the issues raised by Councillor Heagin would be addressed in the drafting of the agreement.  The Leader requested a recorded vote on the recommendations, in accordance with Procedure Rule 17.4, which was supported by five Members and it was

RESOLVED

(1)  That the draft Heads of Terms of the Inter-Authority Agreement setting out the formal governance arrangements for joint working between Guildford and Waverley, as set out in Annexe 1 to the report, be approved.

(2)  That the Borough Solicitor be authorised to enter into the final Inter-Authority Agreement on behalf of Waverley Borough Council.

(3)  That the collaboration Risk Assessment, as set out in Annexe 2 be approved.

(4)  That the establishment of a Joint Governance Committee and its proposed composition and terms of reference, as set out in Annexe 3 to this report, be approved.

(5)  That the Joint Governance Committee be authorised to approve its standing orders at its first meeting.

(6)  That, subject to approval of paragraph (4) above, Waverley’s numerical allocation of seats to the political groups on the proposed Joint Governance Committee shall be as follows:

Conservative: two seats

Farnham Residents: two seats

Liberal Democrats: two seats

(7)  That the nominations for membership and substitute membership of the Joint Governance Committee for the 2022-23 municipal year, be considered at the Annual Council meeting on 17 May 2022.

(8)  That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend the Constitution to incorporate the establishment of the Joint Governance Committee, and its terms of reference; and, subject to paragraph (5) above, its standing orders.

For (25)

Councillors Blishen, Clark, D’Arcy, Davidson, Dickson, Follows, Gale, Heagin, Hyman, Keen, MacLeod, Michaela Martin, Merryweather, Mirylees, Neale, Nicholson, Reed, Paul Rivers, Penny Rivers, Mr Mayor, Councillor Robini, Liz Townsend, Philip Townsend, Mr Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ward, Williams and Wilson.

Against (5)

Councillors Dear, Ellis, Jenny Else, Foryszewski and Sadler.

Abstentions (7)

Councillors Cockburn, Cosser, Deanus, Goodridge, Peter Martin, Mulliner and Seaborne.