Agenda item

(a)       That Committee recommends to Council and for Executive functions to Cabinet the proposals in paragraphs 3.04, 3.05, 3.08 and those in paragraph 3.07 and 3.09 subject to the incorporation of the point made by the chair.

(b)       That paragraph 3.06 be referred back to the Group Leaders for further discussion.

The Democracy and Governance Manager explained that the review had developed from a decision at the annual council meeting on 15 May 2012.  The purpose of the review was to establish whether there was still a need to retain all of the internal member bodies.  At the Constitution Committee meeting of 24 July 2012, it was agreed that further information be obtained and further consultation with Group Leaders prior to a report back to Constitution Committee. 

            The Democracy and Governance Manager reported that at the Group Leaders meeting on 19 October it had been unanimously agreed that there was no longer a need for the Member Development Working Group (paragraph 3.04).    It had similarly been agreed that the Development Plans Panel and Planning Protocol Working Group be merged into one group (paragraph 3.05).  It was also similarly agreed that the Social Services Representation and Complaints Review Panel be dissolved (paragraph 3.08). The Democracy and Governance Manager drew Members attention to the amendment to paragraph 3.07 on the original report, whereby it now stated that at Land Disposal Panel, the local member to be consulted on the principle of disposal and their observations/comments noted in the report.

            The Democracy and Governance Manager then asked the Committee if they agreed with the recommendations of the Group Leaders in respect of paragraphs 3.04, 3.05 and 3.08.

It was agreed by the Committee to accept the recommendations of the Group Leaders in relation to paragraphs 3.04, 3.05 and 3.08.

            The Democracy and Governance Manager then asked Members to consider paragraph 3.06 and to refer to the additional sheet which contained further information on Chairman’s/Delegation panel meetings that had been requested at the Group Leaders Meeting.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services reported that over four years, the Chairman’s Delegated Panel had considered 423 applications and referred on 11 applications to Planning and Development Control committee for consideration and of those referred on 3 had subsequently been refused against officer recommendations.  He added that this represented a poor use of resources and that the 423 applications could safely have been left to officers to determine.  The panel also lacked transparency because applicants/objectors were not able to determine from the outset whether an application would need to be considered at committee.  Further more the meetings were neither open to the public nor minuted.

            Councillor P. Heesom said that the Chairman’s/Delegation Panel meetings were not transparent because they were conducted under closed conditions without minutes.  He added that he wanted to see a clear set of criteria as to what could be dealt with by officers.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services said that the group could be made into a sub committee that would meet in public, but this would involve more time and bureaucracy.  Councillor Heesom said that he wanted the discussion referred back to Group Leaders.

            Councillor D. Wisinger referred to point 3.06 and said that he had agreed to look at the panel, to see if it needed modification, but did not agree to its abolition. 

            Councillor I.A. Dunbar agreed with Councillor D. Wisinger.

            Councillor J.B. Attridge questioned the need for the Panel given the very small amount of cases referred to Planning and Development Control Committee.  Councillor R. C. Bithell concurred with Councillor Attridge and said that there were no sound reasons to retain the panel.

            Councillor C. Carver asked if the time scale for planning applications could be clarified.  Councillor I. A. Dunbar said that he was the new vice chair of Planning and Development Control committee and said that the policy protocols were followed.

            Councillor V. Gay asked if applications by current or ex council staff had to go to committee.  The Democracy and Governance Manager said that only planning officers’ and some highway officers’ applications should be referred.  

It was agreed by members that paragraph 3.06 be taken back to the Group Leaders for further discussion.

            The Chair commenced discussions about paragraph 3.07, Land Disposal Panel by saying that he would like to see the Portfolio Holder involved in the sign off of land to the value of £1-£100,000 and said that political responsibility should be taken.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services advised that currently, officers could authorise the sale of property up to £2 million, but in future all sales of £500k and over would go to Cabinet as a Part 2 item.  The Cabinet Member for Environment said that he agreed with all suggestions contained within paragraph 3.07.

            Councillor C. Carver asked about sales of land that fell between two wards and asked if both Councillors would have input into discussions. The Chair said that a member should inform a neighbouring member of any such cases.   

            The Committee approved paragraphs 3.07 and 3.09.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Committee recommends to Council and for Executive functions to Cabinet the proposals in paragraphs 3.04, 3.05, 3.08 and those in paragraph 3.07 and 3.09 subject to the incorporation of the point made by the chair.

(b)       That paragraph 3.06 be referred back to the Group Leaders for further discussion.