Issue - meetings

The Monitoring Officer introduced the summary report and noted an earlier workshop attended by the Members.  He asked Members to approve the recommendations and the implementation plan.

The Leader, Councillor Ash-Edwards moved the item and he thanked Sandra Prail for undertaking the governance review following the election of many new Members.  He noted it was a constructive process and he thanked the Members for their engagement. The pandemic has impacted the way the Council works.  The review concluded the Council’s governance framework is not atypical for a district council and the Constitution meets the statutory requirements.  A review of the scrutiny process was suggested to consider best practice and use resources more efficiently.  He thanked all group leaders for their cross-party work and regular meetings, he highlighted the Parking Strategy and Sustainability Economy Strategy working groups.  A Member welcomed the independent review and a key recommendation for Members to work collaboratively for the benefit of Mid Sussex. In response to a concern raised, the Leader confirmed the Standards Committee had reviewed the recent conduct of a Member, and whilst they had not found a Code of Conduct breach, he urged all Members to always take care to treat each other with courtesy and respect.

Councillor Webster seconded the item noting Members were all working well towards the recommendations.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations which was taken by

a show of hands.   The recommendations and implementation plan were approved.