Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a report of the Democratic Services Manager to agree the Terms of Reference document and the consultation timetable for the Community Governance Review for the proposed Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Parish Council. The Elections Manager presented the report and responded to a number of questions from Councillors.

The Elections Manager reported that, at its meeting on 13^th April 2016, full Council had asked the Council Business Committee to develop and oversee the process for the Community Governance Review to consider the creation of a new parish council for an area to be called Aldcliffe-with-Stodday Parish Council, and to agree the process for consultation and the timetable to be followed.

It was noted that the review must be concluded by April 2017, and must consider all aspects of the creation of the parish council, including the electoral arrangements that would need to be adopted, and the initial precept arrangements, should a new parish be created.

A range of issues were discussed at the meeting, including:

·         The creation of the Parish Council

·         The electoral arrangements that would need to be adopted

·         Warding arrangements

·         Number of councillors needed for the area

·         Precept arrangements

During the discussion it was suggested that the terms of reference document be distributed to every property, rather than each individual on the electoral register to reduce cost. Other cost effective methods of distribution were also discussed, such as emailing the document to residents. The Committee agreed that a consultation would be more appropriate than a poll.

The Elections Manager agreed to amend the timetable in the consultation as well as ensuring that precept costs are transparent and explained in the document.

Resolved:

(1)  That the Elections Manager amend the Terms of Reference document and covering letter then recirculate it to Committee Members via email to be approved.

(2)  That the consultation timetable be revised and amended in the Terms of Reference document, subject to approval of Committee Members by email.