Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Constitution Committee held on 15 November 2005, were taken as read, confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been asked under Standing Order 35.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been asked under Standing Order 7(3) and 7(5).

There were no other items of urgent business.

All members present declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in respect of the item entitled Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ Allowances (minutes 34 refers).

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive presenting the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ Allowances. A copy of the report marked ‘B’ is filed with these minutes.

With regard to the Panel’s recommendation that members in receipt of the more substantial allowances should be required to give a proper public account of their activities, member agreed that this was a matter which required further consideration.

RESOLVED

That the County Council be recommended to approve the recommendations as set out in the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members’ Allowances.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive on the arrangements for maintaining the Independent Remuneration Panel which advised on Members’ Allowances and, in particular, the allowances paid to Panel Members themselves. A copy of the report marked ‘C’ is filed with these minutes.

RESOLVED

That the Chief Executive be authorised to continue to take all necessary steps to maintain the Independent Remuneration Panel to advise the Council on Members’ Allowances on the basis agreed by the Constitution Committee on 26 September 2001, including the power to determine the allowance paid to the Panel members, having regard to increases in inflation.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive recommending changes to the County Council’s Constitution to incorporate legislative changes in respect of access to information. A copy of the report marked ‘D’ is filed with these minutes.

Members commented that there would be merit in a Members’ Information Service item being issued to all members of the Council on the recent changes in legislation regarding access to information.

RESOLVED

That the County Council be recommended to approve the proposed changes to the Constitution, as set out in Appendix A to this report.

9.30 am – 10.25 pm                                                                              CHAIRMAN

8 March 2006.