Agenda item

Councillor Matthew Vaux, Cabinet Member for Housing, Legal and Governance, People and Organisation and Public Protection presented the report to Council, noting that the Guide to the Constitution and the proposed amendments had been considered by the Constitution Working Group at its meetings dated 25^th of April 2023 during which the amendments presented in this report were considered. An additional meeting took place on the 22^nd of June 2023 to consider further amendments and changes made in response from comments from the working group.

Councillor Bryan Davies noted that the number of Councillors had reduced from 42 to 38, which had placed additional responsibilities on all of them and especially Chairs of Committees, and that Members were welcome to contact his if they wished to review the requirements of the Constitution. 

Members also that that they be given an opportunity to revisit delegated powers in relation to the planning process, and especially the direction of travel when declaring an interest on a particular application. Officers confirmed that this is a live document, and that there are further amendments due to be considered.

Members also asked for clarity in relation to number of Members, and quorate requirements of the Charity Trustee Committee.

The Council unanimously RESOLVED to:

1.    Approve the Constitution Guide as amended (at Appendix 1);

2.    Approve the changes to the Constitution (at Appendices 2 – 16); and

3.  Authorise the Monitoring Officer to update the Council’s Constitution to  reflect the above changes.