Issue - meetings

That the recommendation by the Constitution Committee to conduct the survey on Members’ preferences be accepted, with the outcome to be discussed at the Council’s AGM, following consideration by the Democratic Services Committee on 27 April 2016.

A report was received to seek views on holding Council meetings at 5pm during the next municipal year, following a recommendation by the Democratic Services Committee.  This would provide an opportunity to consider and comment on whether a more flexible arrangement would help to accommodate Members with other responsibilities.  The results of a survey being undertaken would seek Members’ preferences on times for committee meetings.

In view of the number of Members remaining at the meeting, Councillor Aaron Shotton felt that all Members should be given the opportunity to discuss the matter at the Annual General Meeting.  Whilst supporting the principle of holding Council meetings at 5pm, he felt it was important to examine a variation of times to encourage wider attendance in the interests of diversity.  He proposed an amendment to accept the recommendation by the Constitution Committee to conduct the survey and to bring the outcomes to the AGM.  This was seconded by Councillor Bernie Attridge.

Whilst Councillor Mike Peers supported the amendment, he felt that the survey should take account of a range of meetings to accommodate all Members.

Councillor Alex Aldridge said the debate at the Democratic Services Committee had recognised the need to accommodate Members with commitments during the day.  He supported the principles of the amendment but felt it important that the survey acknowledge Members’ commitments to Town and Community Councils.

The Chief Officer (Governance) advised that the Democratic Services Committee had resolved to consider the results of the survey at its meeting on 27 April 2016.  The amendment put forward by Councillor Shotton would seek a decision at the AGM, informed by the discussion of the Committee.

The Chief Executive said that the survey should include wider consideration of the impact on meetings of school governing bodies and other external bodies.

The Chairman highlighted the importance of considering the timing of other important meetings such as Town and Community Councils and school governors.  Councillor Richard Jones asked that the survey also seek views on whether Members wished to continue with the August recess.  Councillor Chris Bithell referred to the proposed 5pm meeting start before the survey had taken place and stressed the importance of ensuring all Members had the opportunity to air their views.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation by the Constitution Committee to conduct the survey on Members’ preferences be accepted, with the outcome to be discussed at the Council’s AGM, following consideration by the Democratic Services Committee on 27 April 2016.