Agenda item

The Head of Governance submitted the Constitution Review report.

It was proposed that a cross party working group be established to consider options and proposals to advise the review and the development of the Constitution.  Membership would reflect, but not form part of the Council’s political balance and comprise of 4 Labour Group, 1 Conservative Group and 1 Liberal Democrat Group Members.

The proposed Terms of Reference for the working group was attached at Appendix A.

Any drafts of new and/or revised sections would be submitted to the Audit and Governance Committee for formal consideration prior to submission to Full Council for adoption.

Member discussion arose regarding the role of independent co-opted Members in the review process. It was noted that the working group would consist of elected Members and co-opted Members would provide assurance and challenge when updates were brought to the Audit and Governance Committee.

It was agreed that a training session on the Constitution should be arranged for Audit and Governance Committee Members.

RESOLVED:-

(i)              That an elected Member working group be established to consider options and proposals to advise the review and the development of the Constitution;

(ii)            That the terms of reference for the Constitution Review Working Group as set out in Appendix A of the report be noted;

(iii)           That the approach, programme and timeline for the Constitution Review as set out in the report and Appendix B be noted; and

(iv)           A training session on the Constitution for Audit and Governance Committee Members should be arranged in due course.