Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services

Members considered a report that detailed a number of proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution and which sought approval of the  Officer Scheme of Delegations.

Councillor M. A. Bullivant proposed a recommendation that would remove the practice of allowing supplementary questions from section 9.8 of the Council Procedure Rules, this being seconded by Councillor Dr. D. W. P. Booth JP. Councillor M. A. Bullivant stated that this was no more than bringing the Council’s practice in line with that of Parliament.

Councillor P. M. McDonald raised concerns at this proposal, noting that supplementary questions were required to be on the same subject as the initial question and were often required to clarify the initial question or the answer provided. It was contended that the supplementary question added depth and value and, on a requisition under Council Procedure Rule 17.5, the following details of voting on the motion were recorded:

For the motion: Councillors Dr. D. W. P. Booth JP, Mrs J. M. Boswell, J. S. Brogan, M. A. Bullivant, R. A. Clarke, S. R. Colella, Dr B. T. Cooper, R. J. Deeming, Mrs R. L. Dent, K. A. Grant-Pierce, Miss P. A. Harrison, R. Hollingworth, Mrs H. J. Jones, R. J. Laight, P. Lammas, J. A. Ruck, C. R. Scurrell, Mrs C. J. Spencer, C. B. Taylor, C. J. Tidmarsh, M. J. A. Webb and P. J. Whittaker (22);

Against the motion: Councillors Mrs S. J. Baxter, C. J. Bloore, Ms M. T. Buxton, L. C. R. Mallett, Mrs C. M. McDonald, P. M. McDonald, E. J, Murray, Mrs E. M. Shannon, R. J. Shannon, S. P. Shannon and L. J. Turner (11);

Abstentions: 0

Accordingly the Chairman declared the motion to be carried.

Councillor M. A. Bullivant introduced a second recommendation removing the requirement in paragraph 5 of part 9 of the Constitution that the Chairman of the Audit Board shall not be a member of the controlling group. This was seconded by Councillor Dr. J. W. P. Booth JP. Councillor M. A. Bullivant declared it to be more democratic for the Chairman to be appointed by the Audit Board from amongst its number and noted that several other Worcestershire districts had no such requirement for their Audit Boards. Councillor J. S. Brogan supported this view, stating that it would allow the Board a wider field of candidates from which to choose the most appropriate Chairman.

Councillor P. M. McDonald declared that this proposal removed the independence of the Audit Board and any reassurance of transparency and accountability in its dealings. It was contended that most local authorities followed the practice of having a minority Chairman of such a body.

Councillor Mrs S. J. Baxter expressed her concern that the Constitution was undergoing change on the basis of political whims rather than through any review of best practice. Councillor C. J. Bloore declared the Audit Board to be one of the most effective bodies of the Council,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16