Agenda item

To consider the attached Joint Report of the Head of Governance and the Monitoring Officer.

The Democratic Services Manager presented the Review of Committee Arrangements.

Councillor D Hannent, duly seconded by Councillor C A Vinson, moved

“That, having considered the current committee structure and size, it be agreed:

(a)  Committee Structure (non-scrutiny)

That there be no change to the number of committees (excluding scrutiny committees) or to the number of seats on each committee.

(b)  Scrutiny Committees – Number

That the number of scrutiny committees be reduced to the statutory minimum number of one committee and that the new overview and scrutiny committee be composed of 10 seats. That consequential constitutional changes as set out in Appendix 3 of the report to facilitate a single overview and scrutiny committee be approved.

(c)   Constitution Changes – Lead Members

That there be no changes to the Constitution in respect of the participation of lead members on scrutiny committees.

(d)  Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of scrutiny committees

That there be no changes to the method by which the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of scrutiny committee(s) are elected.

(e)  That it be noted that officers will consider any other matters arising from the Statutory Guidance on Overview and Scrutiny in Local and Combined Authorities as part of the annual Review of the Constitution in 2019.”

Councillor K Mills moved an AMENDMENT, duly seconded by Councillor C D Zosseder, as followed:

(b)  “Scrutiny Committees – Number

That the number of scrutiny committees be kept at two committees, with one of the scrutiny committees designated as a crime and disorder committee in keeping with the Gravesham Borough Council model.”

On being put to the meeting the AMENDMENT was LOST.

On being put to the meeting the Motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED:  That, having considered the current committee structure and size, it be agreed:

(a)          Committee Structure (non-scrutiny)

That there be no change to the number of committees (excluding scrutiny committees) or to the number of seats on each committee.

(b)          Scrutiny Committees – Number

That the number of scrutiny committees be reduced to the statutory minimum number of one committee and that the new overview and scrutiny committee be composed of 10 seats. That consequential constitutional changes as set out in Appendix 3 of the report to facilitate a single overview and scrutiny committee be approved.

(c)           Constitution Changes – Lead Members

That there be no changes to the Constitution in respect of the participation of lead members on scrutiny committees.

(d)          Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of scrutiny committees

That there be no changes to the method by which the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of scrutiny committee(s) are elected.

(e)          That it be noted that officers will consider any other matters arising from the Statutory Guidance on Overview and Scrutiny in Local and Combined Authorities as part of the annual Review of the Constitution in 2019.