Agenda and minutes
PDF 53 KBVenue: Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0TH.
Contact: Helen Mitchell, Democratic Services Officer 0161 912 4244
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Minutes: No such declarations were made. |
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REVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION To consider a report of the Acting Director of Legal and Democratic Services.
NOTE: A number of extensive appendices - Amended versions of Parts 1 – 5 of the Constitution – are not being circulated in hard copy, but will be available on the Council’s Website. Minutes: The Committee considered a report of the Acting Director of Legal and Democratic Services which related to changes to the Council’s Constitution following a full review of its content.
In her presentation, the Council’s Acting Director of Legal and Democratic Services advised the Committee that the current Constitution had been in place for some time and it was necessary to carry out a full review. As a result of the review, the Constitution had been thoroughly updated to ensure it reflects current legislative requirements and supports the effective and efficient operation of the Council. Furthermore, Members were advised that the Constitution was to be refreshed on an annual basis.
In discussion, Members questioned why the Council’s Constitution was lengthier than that of the Constitution of the United States of America and whether there was an opportunity to confirm what constitutes a Key Decision. The Acting Director of Legal and Democratic Services advised Members that Part 2 of the Council’s Constitution gave an overview of how the Council operates with the remaining documentation providing the detail in relation to the governance of the Council. Furthermore, Members were advised that what constitutes a Key Decision is noted within the Constitution and that training on decision making would be offered to all Members in the coming municipal year.
Confirmation was given to the Committee that the Licensing Policy does constitute part of the Policy Framework and required agreement from Council. It was also raised that clarification should be made in the report, prior to agreement by Council, that the Chief Executive was to delegate their attendance at outside bodies and not that of Members.
The Committee thanked the Acting Director of Legal and Democratic Services for her attendance and the efforts made to thoroughly review and update the Council’s Constitution.
RESOLVED – That Scrutiny Committee note the proposed changes to the Constitution prior to their agreement before Council.
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