Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Legal and Support Services

The Deputy Monitoring Officer presented the report, drawing Members attention to the proposed changes regarding the increase in the number of Policy Development Group meetings, key decisions and contracts.

In response to a question from Councillor J Geary, the Deputy Monitoring Officer reported that there was a contracts register which was available for public viewing.

Councillor J Geary expressed concerns regarding the proposed changes to small contracts as he felt that obtaining three quotes was important to ensure that the Council was getting value for money.  The Deputy Monitoring Officer explained that officers would still seek value for money, the change was intended to reduce the amount of unnecessary paperwork and give responsibility to officers.  He assured Councillor J Geary that the appropriate checks would still be undertaken through the purchase order system and the finance team would also be monitoring.  Councillor J Geary still believed a formal record of quotes obtained should be kept to ensure value for money.

Councillor J Geary drew officers’ attention to paragraph 13.1 on page 64 of the report as it was not gender neutral because of a reference to ‘her’.  The Deputy Monitoring Officer acknowledged it and would make the amendment.

Councillor A C Saffell commented that the Council’s Constitution was very lengthy and repetitive.  He understood that it was a legal document but he would like to see the document shortened rather than growing with each amendment.  The Deputy Monitoring Officer agreed that the document was lengthy but was generally due to change in legislation.  He reported that it would be a large project to review the Council’s Constitution in its entirety but it was something that could be done with Members involvement through a task and finish group.  Councillor A C Saffell stated that he would be looking through the document and would let the Deputy Monitoring Officer have any comments.  He agreed with the suggestion of a task and finish group.

Councillor T Eynon suggested that the Policy Development Group could review the Council’s Constitution in sections throughout the year.

The Interim Director of Resources added that lots of people now searched the Council’s Constitution on line so it was important that the information was in the right place. He felt this needed to be considered when reviewing the document.

It was moved by Councillor G Hoult, seconded by Councillor T Eynon and

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.

RECOMMENDED THAT:

The proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution, as detailed within the report, be approved when considered by Council on 21 November 2017.