Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2011 are correctly recorded and that they be signed by the Chairman.

(1)       The Committee agreed the recommendations subject to a maximum expenditure of £7,000 for the Liberal Democrat Group office relocation and noted the Deputy Leader’s commitment to keep the costings under review.  

(2)       RESOLVED that approval be given to the expenditure on the Member accommodation and facilities changes set out in the report, including a maximum of £7,000 for the Liberal Democrat Group office relocation.

(1)       During discussion of this item, the Committee agreed that a further report would be made outlining options for the creation of a Sinking Fund to enable the purchase of new cars in 2015 and on the recharge costs whenever a county car was diverted for personal business.

(2)       RESOLVED that:-

(a)               the principle of providing a car service be agreed on the grounds that it is an efficient means of travel, given the demands on Members’ and Chief Officers’ time;

(b)               the service continue to be made available for any Member who may be temporarily incapacitated or who does not drive;

(c)               the Head of Democratic Services be requested to submit a report to the Committee on an annual basis, showing the costs incurred by Members using the County car service and taxis;

(d)               the variable costs of the service be reduced by at least 10% by the end of March 2013; and

(e)               the Deputy Leader be asked to report further to the Committee outlining options for the creation of a Sinking Fund to enable the purchase of new cars in 2015 and on the recharge costs whenever a county car is diverted for personal business.

(1)               The Deputy Leader asked the Committee to agree an amended recommendation as set out in (2) below.

(2)               RESOLVED that the County Council be recommended to introduce the principle of awarding the title of Honorary Freemen to persons of distinction and to delegate authority to the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council and the two Opposition Group Leaders to formulate the criteria for such awards for approval by the Committee. 

Carried 6 votes to 0 with 1 Abstention.

RESOLVED that the County Council be recommended to amend the terms of reference of the Governor Appointments Panel to enable it to appoint and remove Authority Governors to and from the Governing Body of Academies.