Agenda item - Hollingbury & Stanmer Ward - Change of Name

Extract from the Proceedings of the Governance Committee meeting held on the 18 November 2008, together with a report of the Chief Executive (copies attached).

2.1           Councillor Mrs Norman formerly moved the report of the Governance Committee, which recommended that a change of name from Hollingbury & Stanmer to Hollingdean & Stanmer Ward be agreed.  She noted that the matter of a change of name from Patcham to Patcham & Hollingbury Ward had also been discussed at the Governance Committee and that whilst this had not been agreed, a process for considering other changes had been suggested to enable such proposals to be considered.

2.2           Councillor Lepper moved an amendment to the recommendations, which requested officers to undertake necessary consultation on a proposed change of name from Patcham to Patcham & Hollingbury Ward and to report back to the Governance Committee as soon as possible.  She stated that the need to recognise Hollingbury as an electoral area was felt to be important and should be addressed accordingly.

2.3           Councillor West formerly seconded the amendment and stated that Hollingbury was a distinct area within Patcham with its own identity and should therefore be properly recognised as part of that ward.

2.4           Councillor Theobald stated that whilst he understood the reasoning for the proposed change of ward name, he was unsure whether it should be taken forward in isolation and felt that any change should be fully consulted on.

2.5           Councillor Oxley referred to the meeting of the Governance Committee and suggested that there was a need to give proper consideration to any proposed changes of ward names.  He felt that it would be more appropriate to have a comprehensive report back on possible changes to ward names rather than singling out one specific ward.

2.6           Councillor Elgood stated that he believed the amendment was clear and that the matter had been discussed at the Governance Committee.  The need to recognise Hollingbury as part of an electoral division was important, hence the proposal that consultation be undertaken and a report back to the committee.

2.7           Councillor Taylor stated that it was felt that there was a need to look at the question of renaming the ward to Patcham & Hollingbury, and therefore a report should be brought forward.

2.8           Councillor Mears stated that she believed it would be appropriate for all Members to be consulted on any proposed changes to their wards.  She was aware of a suggestion for one other name change and rather than have such proposals coming forward on an individual basis had made the suggestion at the Governance Committee as a way of progressing the issue.

2.9           Councillor Mrs Norman stated that a review of potential ward name changes could be undertaken and having identified those where a change might be appropriate, officers could then undertake the necessary consultation and report back.  There was a need to be able to plan the work bearing in mind demands on the electoral services team during the year and to take account of the need for a Special Council meeting to determine any changes.

2.10       The Mayor noted that an amendment had been moved and put the amendment to the vote, which was lost.

2.11       The Mayor then put the recommendation of the report as moved by the Chairman of the Committee to the vote.

2.12       RESOLVED- That in accordance with Section 59 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, the change of electoral area name from ‘Hollingbury & Stanmer Ward’ to ‘Hollingdean & Stanmer Ward’ be agreed.