Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 15^th November 2007 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th November 2007 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Members considered a report of the Head of Democratic Services requesting Members to consider the options in relation to the holding of a Civic Reception for Overseas Students. 

Members were requested to consider the three options outlined in page 2 of the agenda.  After some discussion Members agreed to support option 3 to discontinue the event with the following amendment:

“That the event be discontinued if attempts to communicate, publicise and promote the event with Lancaster University Students Union are not successful.”

Resolved:

That the event be discontinued if attempts to communicate, publicise and promote the event with Lancaster University Students Union are not successful.

The Principal Democratic Support Officer introduced a report to advise Members of a request from West Lothian Council requesting support for their position regarding changes in VAT regulations affecting not for profit leisure trusts.  It was reported that this was not relevant to the City Council as it treated such membership packages as standard rate and was already abiding by the Court’s decision.

Resolved:

That no further action be taken.

The Principal Democratic Support Officer presented a report to enable Members to comment on a proposed consultation response relating to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) consultation on Local Petitions and Calls for Action.  It was agreed that it was appropriate to respond to public petitions.  Members were asked to consider a draft response for submission to the DDLG.

Resolved:

(1)   That the draft consultation response attached as an appendix to these minutes be approved for submission as the Council’s response to the DCLG consultation exercise on Local Petitions and Calls for Action.

(2)   That work on developing a process for dealing with Local Petitions and Calls for Action be included as part of the Democratic Renewal Phase 2 Report.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services

The Principal Democratic Support Officer presented a report to allow Members the opportunity to comment on a proposed consultation response relating to the North West Development Agency (NWDA) Draft Corporate Plan.

Resolved:

(1)   That the draft consultation response attached as an appendix be approved for submission as the Council’s response to the NWDA consultation exercise on its draft Corporate Plan.

(2)   That it be noted that the points raised in the draft response have been forwarded to the Lancashire Economic Partnership (LEP) as this Council’s contribution to an overall response and any amendments agreed at this meeting will be reported to the LEP meeting on 21^st January 2008.

The Principal Democratic Support Officer introduced a report regarding computer usage by Members and whether current provision was appropriate for Members’ needs.  Reference was made to the slowness of network speed.  Members agreed that option 3, to undertake a review of the existing arrangements was the most appropriate way forward. 

It was suggested that feedback regarding this paperless meeting should be included and Members agreed that the next meeting should be paperless.  It was noted that several Members had created a personal website and the Principal Democratic Support Officer offered to provide training on this to interested Members.

Resolved:

(1)               That officers be requested to carry out a survey of Members’ views on a range of issues relating to the usage of computers by Members for Council business and report back to this Committee on the results and any recommendations for change.

(2)               That the next Council Business Committee be paperless.

The Committee will consider any appointments to committees and changes to membership.

Group Administrators were invited to put forward nominations for any changes to membership of Committees.  The changes submitted by the Conservative group were accepted.

Resolved:

Budget and Performance Panel

Delete Tony Johnson and add Peter Williamson

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – substitute

Delete Keith Sowden and add Sylvia Rogerson