Issue - meetings

That the changes as recommended in Appendixes A-E of the report be

approved.

The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced a report on the differences between the Council’s current Constitution and the Model Welsh Constitution (MWC) and whether to amend any provisions as a result. 

The Chief Officer provided background information and referred to the key considerations.  He reported that the Constitution Committee had considered the report of the Constitution Working Group at its meeting held on 7 October 2015 and had approved all the recommendations subject to one amendment concerning provisions about dismissing the Leader.  The Constitution Committee felt that the threshold of 15% of councillors as signatories to such a motion was too low.  It further recognised that there might not be as many or any political groups on the Council in future.  The Constitution Committee resolved that the threshold should be 25% without the requirement that councillors come from more than one political group.  This resolution was reflected in the recommended drafting at Appendix E.  The Chief Officer advised that a motion to remove the Leader cannot be moved more than once in any rolling 12 month period.

Councillor Robin Guest expressed his thanks to the Chief Officer, the Democracy and Governance Manager, and members of the Constitution Working Group for their work.  He also thanked the Leader for his valuable cooperation and contribution. 

Councillor Chris Bithell moved the report and this was duly seconded.

            RESOLVED:

That the changes as recommended in Appendixes A-E of the report be

approved.