Agenda and minutes

The Vice-Chairman read the opening prayer.

The Legal Officer asked for nominations for Chairman.

Councillor Coote nominated Councillor Margaret Belsey for Chairman of the Council. This was seconded by Councillor Ash Edwards.  As there were no other nominations, Councillor Margaret Belsey was confirmed as Chairman of the Council for 2022/23.

RESOLVED

That Councillor Margaret Belsey be elected Chairman of the Council for the 2022/23 Council year.

The Chairman nominated Councillor Coote for Vice-Chairman of the Council. This was seconded by Councillor Webster. As there were no other nominations, Councillor Coote was confirmed as Vice-Chairman for 2022/23.

RESOLVED

That Councillor Coote be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2022/23 Council year.

In accepting the continuation of her  role, the Chairman thanked fellow Councillors and stated that it was a privilege and honour to be re-elected. She confirmed that she will continue to support Kangaroos, her chosen charity for this year.

The Chairman drew Member’s attention to two posters they have been given (relating the Energy Rebate and Clair Hall) and asked for their support in placing them within their Wards to promote the information to residents.

The Chairman also acknowledged that Peter Stuart, Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer will be leaving the Council and invited comment from Group Leaders. The Leader along with the Deputy Group Leaders for the Green and Liberal Democrat parties and the Leader of the Independent Group thanked Peter for his considerable service to the Council of over 30 years, noting his professionalism and extensive knowledge which has been of great benefit to residents and Members. 

The Leader confirmed that the Cabinet will return to being composed of 7 Members. He thanked the current Members for their continued work and welcomed Councillor Cromie as the Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services. 

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation to note the appointments which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

That Council noted the following appointments: 

Deputy Leader – Councillor J Belsey

Cabinet Member for Community – Councillor Webster

Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Net Zero – Councillor Hillier

Cabinet Member for Planning – Councillor Salisbury

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Parking – Councillor De Mierre

Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services – Councillor Cromie

Audit Committee

Licensing Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee A

Scrutiny Committee for Housing and Planning and Economic Growth

Scrutiny Committee for Community, Customer Services and Service Delivery

Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance

District Planning Committee

Planning Committee

Standards Committee

The Chairman moved the item drawing Member’s attention to the tabled report detailing the Nominations for Committees for the year 2022/23.

As there were no questions, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation to note the nominations, which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The appointment of Members to Committees as set out below were noted:

AuditCommittee(7 Members)

Licensing Committee (15 Members)

LicensingSub CommitteeA (5 Members)

ScrutinyCommitteefor Housing, Planning and Economic Growth(15Members)

ScrutinyCommitteefor Community, Customer Services and Service Delivery(15 Members)

ScrutinyCommitteefor Leader, Finance and Performance (15Members)

District Planning Committee(12Members)

Planning Committee (12Members)

Standards Committee (6 MSDCMembers)

Councillor Ash-Edwards moved the item. In seconding the item, Councillor John Belsey supported the appointment of Stephen Fitzgerald whilst also thanking the outgoing Section 151 Officer Peter Stuart for the work he has done in bringing the Council to the position which it is today. 

As there were no questions, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Council agreed to appoint Stephen Fitzgerald as its interim S151 Officer, effective from 12 May 2022.

Following the conclusion of the Annual Council meeting, there will be a meeting of individual Committees in the following order:

Audit Committee

District Planning Committee

Licensing Committee

Planning Committee

Scrutiny Committee for Community, Customer Service and Service Delivery

Scrutiny Committee for Housing, Planning and Economic Growth

Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance

Councillor Webster moved the item noting that the Council carries out regular risk assessments to take reasonable steps to manage the risks of Covid and to reflect the public health guidelines and guidance that remains in place. He also acknowledged that Councillor Andrew Lea had proposed an amendment to the recommendation and Councillor Webster was happy to accept this amendment. This was seconded by Councillor Ash-Edwards.

Councillor Andrew Lea’s amendment to the recommendation includes the following wording:

 “From the 23rd May Council and committee meetings will be in the chamber. When due to Covid or other Health and Safety considerations it is not considered prudent to hold the meeting in the chamber, a report detailing the reasons and risk assessment will be presented to that meeting.”

This was seconded by Councillor Stockwell.  Members discussed the amendment and it was noted that bringing a report to the meeting would not change the circumstances of where that meeting was held. It was however hoped that in doing so it would make clear why a meeting might not be held in the Council Chamber and influence subsequent meetings. Members also discussed the timings of meetings when they return to the Chamber. The Chairman noted that this would be discussed with individual Chairman with Members advised of the outcome.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the amendment which was agreed with 40 in favour and 3 abstentions.

On the substantive motion, a Member queried the maximum number of Members and Officers allowed in the Chamber and commented on the benefits of holding Scrutiny Committees in person. It was confirmed that the current maximum number of people in the Council Chamber is 24 but there is confidence that the full Council can be accommodated in the room from June. The amendment relates to all meetings however Scrutiny Committees can remain online at the individual Chairman’s discretion. 

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations as amended which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Council agreed:

That the Programme (attached to the report as Appendix 1) and additional recommendation as stated above be approved.