Issue - items at meetings - Review of Meetings Timetable

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

RESOLVED -

(1)   That the changes to the timetable of meetings for 2008/2009 as a result of identifying work programmes and a more effective use of resources for certain meetings, be noted;

(2)   That the proposed timetable of meetings for 2009/10 be approved;

(3)   That a proposed timetable for 2010/11be brought to the committee in March 2009, for consideration.

Note:  Councillors Elgood, Taylor and West wished their names recorded as having voted against the above resolutions.

50.1       The Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance, which outlined the proposed schedule of meetings for the 2009/10 municipal year (for copy see minute book).

50.2       Members of the Committee welcomed the report and thanked the Head of Democratic Services for his endeavours in delivering the schedule of meetings.

50.3       Councillors Elgood and Taylor expressed their concern over the lack of Full Council meetings and suggested that this should be looked at for the 2010/11 timetable.  Councillor Taylor also questioned the effectiveness and value of Cabinet Member Meetings and asked if a financial appraisal could be undertaken in respect of the number of meetings that were held.

50.4       Councillor Mears stated that she believed the new Leader and Cabinet model was working well and that it was for the opposition groups to make use of the various avenues open to them.  She had been determined to ensure that the decision-making system remained open and transparent for Members and members of the public.

50.5       Councillor Mitchell queried whether the number of council meetings had prevented the consideration of statutory items by the Full Council.

50.6       The Director of Strategy & Governance stated that he was not ware of the council being unable to conduct business in accordance with statutory requirements and suggested that the financial appraisal be looked at as part of the 12-month review. 

50.7       RESOLVED -

(1)   That the changes to the timetable of meetings for 2008/2009 as a result of identifying work programmes and a more effective use of resources for certain meetings, be noted;

(2)   That the proposed timetable of meetings for 2009/10 be approved; and

(3)   That a proposed timetable for 2010/11be brought to the committee in March 2009, for consideration.

Note:  Councillors Elgood, Taylor and West wished their names recorded as having voted against the above resolutions.