BACKGROUND

Attendance in general at Select Committees is slipping. Members are leaving before meetings finish in some cases causing the meeting to become in-quorate. Current attendance records show (NO) Members who have attended less than the number of meetings required. This in my opinion is a reflection of the workload members are placed under.

Currently, of the 48 Councillors, 38 are eligible to sit on Select Committees. These 38 have to fill 72 places. This equates to a ratio of 1.9 committee places per member. The proposal outlined in this paper would mean a reduction to 48 places and a ratio of 1.2 places per member. This does not take into account the additional roles of the regulatory, co-coordinating and task committees and informal meetings that are estimated to take up nearly as many places again, effectively doubling the current ratios.

The real effect of this change is that some people may continue to sit on several committees, and this is acceptable as long as they can service the time commitment. It would provide more space for the chairmen of the current Select Committees who would not have to participate in other committees – allowing them more time in their specialist area. It will also allow other members not to have to sit on a select committee at all if they so desire.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

In line with the Council’s constitution this report must be considered by the Council’s Co-ordinating Committee that is made up by each of the Council’s Select Committee Chairmen, or in the relevant Chairman’s absence, the Vice Chairman of that Select Committee and three other Members to ensure political proportionality.

There are no relevant performance indicators. Members may wish to refer to current attendance records.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The introduction of this paper is part of the local and political consultation process.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial, legal or crime and disorder implications. Agreement to the recommendations will result in a change to the Council’ Constitution. Political proportionality and appointments to Select Committees will have to be reassessed.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

None.

OPTIONS

1. To reduce the number of Members sitting on each Select Committee from twelve to eight.

2. To note this report and do nothing.

Contact Point : Councillor Garry Price , 532000, mobile 07970 202820

e-mail [email protected]

GARRY PRICE

Chairman of Fire and Public Safety