Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) introduced this report and moved the recommendations.  The aim of the review had been to simplify the presentation of the Constitution without changing the balance between Member and Officer decision making.  The language of the document had been updated and full details were comprehensively set out in the report.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe seconded the motion, noting the importance of the Constitution to the Council’s governance processes and that it was important to ensure the correct balance of decision making between Members and Officers.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers noted that most of the changes were sensible but noted two areas of concern to him.  The first was the additional emergency powers for the Chief Executive in times of crisis since he noted that an effective decision making solution had been operated throughout the pandemic via the Leader and he considered that the powers should be vested in the Leader in the first instance who could then delegate them if necessary.  Secondly, he had concerns around the uplifts for the levels of delegated decision making, considering that the figure was not reflective of inflationary rises.  He understood the need for quick decision making but he considered that the urgent portfolio holder decision making process was a more appropriate mechanism than giving additional delegated powers to officers.

Councillor Butlin noted that it was appropriate that the decision making processes be considered in light of the experience of the Council throughout the Pandemic.  He noted from this experience that it was reasonable to scrutinise the speed of decision making and consider any lessons learnt over the previous 18 months.  It was still not possible for individuals to act unilaterally as part of the proposed change and consultation was still required.  The Council’s ability to act swiftly was important to support vulnerable people and potentially save lives and he was therefore supportive of the proposals being of the view that there were sufficient safeguards built in the process.  Councillor Adrian Warwick echoed this view. 

Councillor Kaur responded that the Council was very good at transparency and noted that all through the Pandemic there had been engagement with councillors and officers and this was something to be proud of.  She emphasised the Deputy Leader’s comments that it was important to adjust processes to keep pace with the changing landscape.

Vote:

A vote was held. The recommendation was agreed by a majority.

Resolved:

That Council approves the amendments to the Constitution, Contract Standing Orders and Financial Regulations as set out at Appendices 2a, 2b and 3 to the report.