Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 July 2019 were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

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

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

There were no urgent items for consideration.

The Chairman invited members who wished to do so to declare any interest in respect of items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations were made.

The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive which proposed amendments to the County Council’s constitution as part of the 2019 annual review.  A copy of the report marked ‘Agenda Item 6’ is filed with these minutes.

Whilst members supported the increased number of signatories required for a petition to be considered by the relevant overview and scrutiny committee, some expressed concern that this could lead to residents feeling disengaged and being unable to have their voice heard.

Members agreed that the best approach would be for residents to raise matters through their local member and suggested that where a petition did not have the requisite 1000 signatures, the relevant service Director be required to consult with the local member as well as relevant Cabinet Lead member before responding to a petitioner.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council be recommended to approve the proposed changes to the Constitution as set out in the appendices to the report subject to the additional change now requested to be made to the Petition Scheme.