Agenda item - Twelve Month review of the Constitution

(a)         Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

(b)         Draft extract from the proceedings of the Governance Committee meeting held on 12 January 2009 (copy attached).

(1)         That Cabinet agrees the proposals set out at recommendations 1, 2, 5, 9, 10 and 14 of the report to come into force immediately after annual Council.

159.1                The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance concerning the outcome of the consultation on the twelve month review of the Constitution and proposals for amendments (for copy see minute book).

159.2                The Chairman welcomed Councillor Oxley, Chairman of the Governance Committee to the meeting.

159.3                Councillor Oxley explained that over 800 submissions had been received and that he had met with two groups to discuss their specific concerns. He stated that the transition to the new model of governance had been complex and challenging and that the council had aimed for openness and transparency and retained the best parts of the committee system where possible.

159.4                The Chairman reported that further clarity would be provided around the role of the Chief Finance Officer as a result of a request from a member of the public. She thanked Councillor Oxley for his commitment and advised of a minor amendment to the recommendation (see 159.6 (1)).

159.5                In response to a query from Councillor Watkins in relation to the Older People’s Council (OPC), the Chairman explained that the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing would meet with the OPC to clarify their concerns and Members would be informed of the outcome.

159.6                RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:

(1)         That the proposals set out in recommendations 1, 2, 5, 9, 10 and 14 of the report be agreed to come to into force immediately after annual Council.