Issue - meetings

The Chairman reported receipt of the above mentioned motion from Councillors Jeff Osborn and Terry Chivers worded as follows:

“That Council recognises the need to economise in these hard times and should therefore instigate a process of reducing the number of members to 70.”

Whilst it appreciates that this cannot immediately happen, as division boundaries will need to be revised, it is important that the process starts now, to indicate to the public that we are serious in our commitment to save money.

The Chairman drew attention to a briefing note circulated to assist Council in its consideration of the motion.

In speaking to his motion, Councillor Jeff Osborn stated that the motion had been drafted in response to the public sentiment that the number of Councillors should be cut in response to decrease in the budget. This would have the effect of reducing the amount spent on members’ allowances. However, having read the explanatory briefing note and understanding that the time required to address this was relatively long which would also involve boundary reviews, he stated that he would withdraw the motion.

Motion No. 21 withdrawn