Issue - meetings
New consultation: Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill
Meeting: 24/10/2023 - Flintshire County Council (Item 41)
41 New consultation: Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill 
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Additional documents:
Decision:
RESOLVED:
That the additional views expressed by Members following a workshop be collated and the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to formulate the Council’s response to the consultation
Minutes:
The Chief Officer (Governance) introduced the report to update Members on a new consultation: Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill. He advised that if passed, the Bill, amongst other things, would increase the number of Members of the Senedd from 60 to 96; change the way in which Members were elected; make provision in relation to the Senedd’s constituency boundaries; and decrease the length of time between Senedd elections from five to four years. The Chief Officer provided background information and referred to the main considerations as summarised in the report.
Councillor Richard Jones expressed some concerns regarding the proposals in the Bill and suggested that a workshop be held to enable Members further opportunity to consider the proposals in more detail and provide their views. The Chief Officer responded to the points raised and agreed to arrange a workshop to assist Members.
Members expressed concerns on the proposals and commented on the financial implications; the election method and importance of local representation; democracy and proportional representation; the need for clarification, evidence, reasoning, and scrutiny to support the proposed changes.
Councillor Dave Hughes suggested that following the all-Member workshop Members additional views should be sent to the Democratic Services Manager and that the Council grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive to formulate the Council’s response to the consultation.
Councillor Richard Jones agreed to the amendment and moved the recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Johnson. When put to the vote the recommendation was carried.
RESOLVED:
That the additional views expressed by Members following a workshop be collated and the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to formulate the Council’s response to the consultation