Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

No declarations were made at this point. 

Whilst the report is public, Cabinet is recommended to pass the following recommendation if it becomes necessary to refer to the information within the exempt Appendix:-  

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 & 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following Appendix has been marked as exempt, it is for Cabinet itself to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

Details of the proposed restructure were set out in an appendix, which was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972. 

It was proposed by Councillor Brendan Hughes, seconded by Councillor Anne Whitehead and resolved unanimously:

Resolved unanimously:

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

The press and public were excluded from the meeting at this point.

To consider any such call-in referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on Tuesday 15^th May 2018.

A referral from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was considered following the Overview and Scrutiny call-in meeting held prior to Cabinet in relation to the Executive Team: Roles and Structure (Cabinet Minute 96 refers). 

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendations were: -

“(1)    That consultation on restructuring should be wider than the statutory consultation with those people directly affected. 

(2)       That all informal consultations with Council Members should be minuted and reported in to Cabinet.” 

It was proposed by Councillor Darren Clifford, seconded by Councillor Brendan Hughes, and resolved as follows. 

Resolved unanimously:

(1)       That Cabinet re-affirms its previous decisions, (1) to (3), of 24^th April 2018, (Minute 96 refers). 

(2)       That Cabinet notes the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendation regarding consultation on restructuring, notes that there is an obligation for statutory consultation to be undertaken with those people directly affected (i.e. Chief Officers) and requests that depersonalised feedback be obtained from other Managers who report to Chief Officers. 

(3)       That all informal feedback with Council Members should be minuted and reported in to Cabinet. 

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive.  

Reasons for making the decision:

A need to restructure the senior team was identified in August 2015 by the previous Chief Executive but rejected at the time as Cabinet felt the new Chief Executive should consider and agree any structural changes.  The Council has developed highly ambitious plans in its draft Council Plan for enhancing the economy, environment, neighbourhoods and communities’ wellbeing.  The decision will enable a consultation to be undertaken to allow for a structure to be put in place to progress the City Council’s ambitious agenda moving forward.  Cabinet has also considered the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in making its decision.