Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman read the opening prayer.

Councillor Eggleston nominated Councillor Jackson for Chairman of the Council. This was seconded by Councillor Berggreen.  As there were no other nominations, Councillor Jackson was confirmed as Chairman of the Council for 2023/24.

Councillor Jackson in the Chair

Councillor Eggleston nominated Councillor Henwood for Vice-Chairman of the Council. This was seconded by Councillor Hussain.  As there were no other nominations, Councillor Henwood was confirmed as Vice-Chairman of the Council for 2023/24.

RESOLVED

That Councillor Jackson be elected Chairman of the Council and Councillor Henwood be elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council for the 2023/24 Council year.

The Chairman moved the item and took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report. These were approved with 45 in favour and 1 against.

RESOLVED

Council noted the persons elected as Councillors on 5th May 2023.

The Chairman moved the item and took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report which were approved unanimously.

RESOLVED

Council received the report of the Monitoring Officer, setting out the political balance of the Council for the 2023/24 year and the recommended allocation of seats to committees. 

Councillor Bennett nominated Councillor Eggleston as Leader of the Council.  This was seconded by Councillor Hatton.  There were no other nominations. The Chairman took Members to a vote which was approved with 41 in favour, 3 against, and 3 abstentions.

In accepting the role, the Leader confirmed that the Liberal Democrats had formed a joint administration with the Independents led by Councillor Gibson which is underpinned by a formal agreement. He also outlined the roles of the Cabinet which will consist of 5 Members as follows:

•           The Leader of the Council (with responsibility for the District Plan, Burgess Hill Town Centre Redevelopment, Burgess Hill Growth Area and Gatwick Airport.

•           Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications – Councillor Bennett

•           Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits – Councillor Cooke

•           Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services – Councillor Hobbs

•           Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing – Councillor Gibson

RESOLVED

Council appointed Councillor Eggleston as the Executive Leader of the Council for a term of 4 years ending on the date of the Annual Meeting in 2027; and noted the appointments to Cabinet positions and their portfolios.

To be Tabled.

The Chairman moved the item drawing Member’s attention to the tabled report detailing the Nominations for Committees for the year 2023/24.

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:

Audit Committee – 7 Members

Licensing Committee – 15 Members

Scrutiny Committee for People and Communities – 11 Members

Scrutiny Committee for Place and Environment – 11 Members

District Planning Committee – 12 Members

Planning Committee – 12 Members

Standards Committee – 6 MSDC Members

Councillor Eggleston moved the item. This was seconded by Councillor Bennett. The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation which was agreed unanimously.

A Member paid compliment to the work of the Parish Councillors in bringing this to fruition.

RESOLVED

Council noted the outcome of the Horsted Keynes Neighbourhood Plan Referendum and agreed to formally ‘make’ the Horsted Keynes Neighbourhood Plan part of the Development Plan for the parish of Horsted Keynes.