Agenda and minutes

To declare any interests in respect of recommended items

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

An Extraordinary meeting of the General Purposes Committee is scheduled to take place immediately before the meeting of Council to consider a submission to the Boundary Commission regarding the future size of the Borough Council.  The Committee will also consider the recommendations of the Electoral Review Working Group held on 10 March 2021 (circulated in advance of the meeting).

A verbal update will be given to Council on any recommendations arising from the General Purposes Committee.

The report of the Chief Executive provided an overview of the Boundary Commission Review process.  Proposals regarding the future size of the Borough Council using an evidence base that analysed the operation of the organisation in recent years were also outlined.

There had been in-depth discussion on the proposals at the General Purposes Committee held immediately before the extraordinary meeting of Council.  A number of views had been considered and the concerns raised regarding the level of representation provided to local communities and the quality of decision making if the size of the council was reduced significantly had been noted.

It was confirmed that the Boundary Commission would have regard to all submissions received and that individuals and/or groups were able to submit their own submissions.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the report be noted; and

(2)             the approach and conclusion to reduce the future size of the Council to ‘in the region’ of 43 Councillors, as recommended by the General Purposes Committee and as set out at Minute Number GP 21/8, be approved.

To authorise the Common Seal of the Council to be affixed to any Contract, Minute, Notice or other document requiring the same.

RESOLVED:  That authority be given for the Common Seal of the Council to be affixed to any instrument to give effect to a decision of the Council incorporated into these Minutes and proceedings.