Issue - meetings

Reports by the Monitoring Officer on the following items:

(a)  Part 4 - Cllrs’ Questions and Motions on Notice

Cllr John Noeken presented a report setting out proposals following a review of this aspect of the Constitution by the Constitution Focus Group and the Standards Committee.  A query was raised regarding the form of response to a Councillor’s question and it was agreed that the Monitoring Officer would send a written response.

Resolved:

(1)  not to limit the number of questions or motions a member may submit.

(2)  not to change the deadline for submission of questions or motions on notice at this stage but to keep the position under review and bring this back to the Focus Group for further consideration in due course.

In the meantime to encourage Councillors to submit questions in particular, in advance of the deadline as far as possible to maximise the time available to prepare responses and in the case of motions, to prepare reports to assist Council in its consideration of them where appropriate.

(3)  not to introduce a time limit for questions and motions;

(4)  not to differentiate between operational and non-operational
questions.

(5)  to require motions on notice to contain a clear separation between the preamble setting out background information to the motion and the action being sought; and to ask officers to prepare background reports for motions on notice where possible and guidance to assist members in drafting motions.

(6)  to note that the Chairman in keeping with his role to manage the efficient transaction of business at meetings, had agreed to place questions and notices of motion further down the agenda, after substantive business, in particular items on the budget and policy framework and having regard to the agenda as a whole.

(b)  Procurement and Contract Rules (Contract Regulations)

Cllr John Noeken presented a report which proposed various amendments to Part 11 of the Constitution.  The changes had been considered and recommended by the Standards Committee.  The Council thanked the Parish and Independent members of the Standards Committee for all the contribution they have made to the work of the Committee over the last few years.

Resolved:

(1)  To approve the changes to Part 11 of the Council’s Constitution, as incorporated at Appendix A to the report.

(2)  To adopt Part 11 of the Council’s Constitution as amended with effect from 1 April 2012.