Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme as submitted, be approved with amendments;

(b)       That the special meeting on 6 December 2017 be noted;

(c)       That an update report on appraisals be made to the December or January meetings;

(d)       That the Democratic Services Manager, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, should this be necessary; and

(e)       That the Committee would prefer to continue to meet at 10am on Thursdays, but that Councillor Michelle Perfect’s comments about evening meetings being more suitable to accommodate Members in full-time employment be included in the report back to the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee.

The Democratic Services Manager presented the Forward Work Programme for consideration and confirmed that the appraisals report would be scheduled for December or January.  As requested by the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee, Members’ views were sought on their preferred meeting pattern for this Committee.

Councillor Cunningham expressed a preference for the meetings to remain on a Thursday morning, which was seconded by Councillor Johnson.  On being put to the vote, this option was agreed.

Councillor Michelle Perfect spoke in support of meetings starting at 5.30pm or 6pm to allow Members in full-time employment the opportunity to attend.  Although this was not endorsed by other Members, it was agreed that all individual views should be reflected in the consultation response.

The Chairman supported the continuation of current arrangements but pointed out the advantages of an earlier starting time in respect of car parking availability.

A reminder was given of the forthcoming budget workshop and subsequent Council meeting on 12 December.  Councillor Jones indicated that he was unavailable for the special meeting on 6 December to consider the Stage 2 budget proposals and remarked that an evening slot could have accommodated more Members.  Apologies for the meeting were also submitted by Councillor Woolley.  The Democratic Services Manager referred to other meetings attended by Members which were generally held in the evenings.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme as submitted, be approved with amendments;

(b)       That the special meeting on 6 December 2017 be noted;

(c)       That an update report on appraisals be made to the December or January meetings;

(d)       That the Democratic Services Manager, in consultation with the Chairman, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, should this be necessary; and

(e)       That the Committee would prefer to continue to meet at 10am on Thursdays, but that Councillor Michelle Perfect’s comments about evening meetings being more suitable to accommodate Members in full-time employment be included in the report back to the Constitution & Democratic Services Committee.