Issue - meetings

To consider setting up a sub-committee of the Standards Committee to deal with urgent requests for dispensations that arise between the scheduled meetings of the Committee.

That the Committee agrees that a sub-committee is not required.

The Monitoring Officer presented a report to consider the merits of establishing a sub-committee to determine dispensation requests in the event of there being no other convenient meeting of the full Committee.  This followed the meeting in January which, having been initially cancelled, was re-convened with the bare minimum quorum in order to consider a single dispensation request.

In explaining the provisions required to set up a sub-committee, the Monitoring Officer advised that this option would offer less flexibility in terms of membership.  He went on to say that the Committee met on a monthly basis and that the arrangement in January had worked well.

Members spoke in support of this suggestion and wished to continue with the current arrangements without the need for a sub-committee.  This was moved and seconded by Julia Hughes and Councillor Woolley.

In response to comments from the Chairman, the Monitoring Officer gave assurance that Members were reminded of the need to submit dispensation requests as early as possible.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee agrees that a sub-committee is not required.