Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

That the minutes be received, approved and signed by the Chairman as a

correct record.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 October 2014,

were submitted.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be received, approved and signed by the Chairman as a

correct record.

That the results of the Member Survey be noted.

The Democracy and Governance Manager  introduced a report on the results of a survey of Members on whether their communications were being dealt with in accordance with corporate service standards.

The Democracy and Governance Manager  advised that 19 Members had responded to the survey and 11 Members had indicated that they were satisfied  the customer care charter was being followed.  The report indicated 6 members had identified the Planning Service as not complying  and the response of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) was appended to the report.  The Democracy and Governance Manager  advised that in general it was considered that the customer care standard was being met for response times to Member communications.

Responding to the comments made by Councillor Clive Carver the Chair suggested that Councillor Carver addressed his concerns directly with the relevant Chief Officer  in the first instance and then with the Chief Executive should further assistance be required.

RESOLVED:

That the results of the Member Survey be noted.

That the feedback on Member development events be noted.

The Democracy and Governance Manager introduced a report to provide feedback on the Member development events held since last reported to the Committee.  He referred to the development events which had been held in July and November 2014 and advised that the feedback received for each of the events was appended to the report.  He reported that the feedback had been generally positive and invited Members to comment on their experience of any events attended or make suggestions for the improvement of future events. 

                        Councillor Chris Bithell expressed his thanks for the ‘in house’ training provided by Officers and commented on the valuable expertise which existed within the Council. 

                        Councillor Ian Dunbar welcomed the provision of two sessions for each event which he felt gave flexibility and enabled more Members to attend.

RESOLVED:

That the feedback on Member development events be noted.

Following a request from Councillor Tim Newhouse the Chairman agreed that the next two meetings of the Democratic Services Committee would be held immediately prior to the meetings of the Constitution Committee. 

Following a request from Councillor Alex Aldridge that the County

Council begins a debate on the potential changes to Local Government, the Chairman agreed to liaise with the Leader and the Chair of the County Council regarding the addition of an appropriate item on the agenda for a meeting of the County Council at the earliest opportunity.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.