Issue - meetings

The report recommends that changes are made to the constitution to allow additional speaking time for opposition group leaders, and to address concerns raised by Members concerning the Electoral Review Working Group.

A minor amendment is also required to the appointment of a proper officer for the purposes of public health functions, following the replacement of Public Health England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA).

The report of the Monitoring Officer recommended changes to the Constitution to allow for additional speaking time for opposition group leaders and to address concerns raised in respect of the Electoral Review Working Group.

Following the replacement of Public Health England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there was also a minor amendment required to the appointment of a proper officer for the purposes of public health functions.

RESOLVED:  That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend the Constitution to give effect to the changes detailed in the report and summarised below:

(1)         Rule 5.25(b) of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules (Part 4) be amended to read ‘the opposition group leaders shall be given an opportunity to comment upon the announcements and the total time allowed shall be limited to three minutes per opposition group leader’;

(2)         The Electoral Review Working Group be abolished and all matters relating to electoral review to sit within the terms of reference for the General Purposes Committee; and

(3)         Replace reference to Public Health England within Part 3 of the Constitution with UKHSA.