PAPER A2

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON THURSDAY, 12 APRIL 2001 COMMENCING AT 2.00 PM

Present :

Mr V J Morey (Chairman), Mr R R Barry, Mr M G Barton, Chevalier J A Bowker, Mrs T M Butchers, Mr C B W Chapman, Mr A C Coburn, Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J Effemey, Mr E Fox, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr P G Harris, Mr A D Hollands, Mr O C Huggins, Miss H L Humby, Mrs M A Jarman, Mrs B Lawson, Mrs A Leigh, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr A J Mundy, Mr G A Nichols, Mr K Pearson, Mr H Rees, Mrs S A Smart, Mr J Spence, Mr R A Sutton, Mr A A Taylor, Mr P R Tuck, Mrs C T G Webb, Mr G Wilson, Mr D T Yates

Apologies :

Mr A C Bartlett, Mr N E Devall, Mrs B E Foster, Mr P A Fuller, Mr G S Kendall, Mrs M J Miller, Mr M O Morgan Huws, Mr P A Nightingale, Mrs L E Rogerson, Mrs J L Wareham, Mrs J White

Members considered the recommendations of the Executive, held on 5 April 2001, relating to the adoption of Executive arrangements and associated Constitution. The Modernising Agenda Panel had met on 5 occasions to consider the various elements involved in the three statutory models set out in the Local Government Act 2000.

The results of consultations on the three options had been taken into account in arriving at the recommendations for the adoption of the Leader - Executive model. In discussing the draft constitution a number of amendments were proposed.

It was accepted by members that it would be possible to amend the arrangements in the light of experience. With regard to the Members Allowances scheme new regulations would require these to be reviewed by an independent panel. This would provide an opportunity for consideration of the payment of allowances being linked to the level of attendance at meetings.

Delegations to portfolio holders and the establishment of Area Committees were two items that required further discussion at a later date. Additionally members believed that investigations should be undertaken into seeking a change in title of the Authority back to the Isle of Wight County Council.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Constitution be adopted, with the following amendments :

(1) that it be clarified that the role of the Head of Paid Service includes the responsibility to oversee and implement the policies and programmes of the Council;

(2) emphasis that the Chairman of the Council is the Civic Head of the Council;

(3) the ability of a local member to call for a site inspection by the Development Control Committee;

(4) the areas relating to Countryside Management and Rights of Way being transferred from the Environment and Transport Select Committee to the Economic Development, Planning, Tourism and Leisure Services Select Committee;

(5) Portfolio Holders having the ability to initiate reviews and workplans for the areas for which they are responsible in conjunction with the relevant Directors;

(6) The Joint Inspection and Registration Unit being included as part of the Resources Portfolio;

and that the Council operate Executive arrangements as set out in the Constitution with effect from 20 June 2001, or, if later, from the earliest date at which this becomes possible.

(ii) THAT the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to submit a copy of the Council's Executive arrangements to the DETR and to undertake publicity of those arrangements as required by the Local Government Act 2000.

(iii) THAT the Director of Corporate Services, in consultation with the Leader, be authorised to make minor amendments to the document prior to submission to the DETR.

(iv) THAT officers investigate the steps required to petition for a change in the name of the Authority from the Isle of Wight Council to the Isle of Wight County Council.

CHAIRMAN