Agenda item

1. The item was introduced by Mr Watts explained that the Interim arrangements for the vacant Head of Governance role required certain responsibilities to be delegated to the Democratic Services Manager.

2. The report was introduced by Mr Joel Cook, Democratic Services Manager, who provided an overview of the proposals for consideration in relation to changing the number of Committees, adjusting relevant terms of reference and confirming the arrangements for managing the transition of all the required activity.

3. In response to questions and comments from Members, discussions covered the following:

a)    The proposed savings would be achieved through a combination of measures.  These included a reduction in the number of meetings, modernisation and efficiency improvements through better use of technology and a reduction in the number of Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) due to fewer Committee chairing roles being required. A reduction in meetings would have direct resource implications for the service with the frequency of meetings varying according to wider business needs. Cabinet Committees were the most frequent and represented the largest resource implication.

b)    Mr Watts provided assurance that Democratic Services Officers would continue to give procedural advice and support to Chairs during Committee meetings.

c)    It was confirmed that a further breakdown of the proposed savings could be provided, subject to the proposal progressing to Full Council. The projected £75 annual savings was an approximate figure as it comprised of both fixed and estimated savings.

d)    A Member-led governance review was undertaken towards the end of 2024, resulting in a range of recommendations being presented subsequently to County Council. These included changes to constitutional arrangements and reductions in the number of Cabinet Committees, some elements of which were approved by County Council, and others rejected.

e)    Mr Watts explained that the appointment of Cabinet Members fell within the remit of the Leader, who could choose up to 9 Cabinet Members and 11 Deputy Cabinet Members. Confirmation could be sought on whether these posts had historically always been filled. Various Members suggested a review of the current Executive structure as a means of achieving future savings.

f)      Mr Tristan Godfrey, Senior Governance Manager, explained that the independent Member Remuneration Panel was preparing a report and recommendations for the next 4-year Member Allowances Scheme, which would also consider the new Committee structure. While the Panel would make recommendations, the final decision on allowances and the number of SRAs would rest with Full Council and this could be expected within the next 3- 6 months.

g)    Mr Cook explained that if the Committee recommended the proposals to County Council and they were subsequently approved, the Committees with newly transferred functions would continue as currently diarised. He also highlighted that the proposal would have a material impact on proportionality figures due to the resulting reduction in the number of Committees and total seats to be allocated. Therefore, final proportionality arrangements were subject to the recommendations of both the Committee and County Council.

h)    Decisions regarding Cabinet Committees were made solely by the Leader, independent of both County Council and proportionality arrangements but comments made during the meeting would be passed to the Leader for consideration prior to decision- making.

i)      If the Leader decided to establish a Growth, Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee, work would be undertaken with relevant services and Cabinet Members to organise meetings, which could involve expanding business to fill a full day.