Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 24 June 2010 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 24^th June 2010 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Financial Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Financial Services which informed Members of a government consultation on proposals to replace the current system of Council Tax capping with arrangements to introduce local referendums on Council Tax increases.

It was reported that the proposals, if implemented could have major implications for future spending plans and associated consultation as well as the relationships between the different tiers of government.

Members considered the draft response to the consultation that had been prepared and made a number of comments regarding the implications of a referendum for the City Council.

It was felt by Members that the response that had been prepared should be submitted without any amendments as an Officer technical response to the consultation. The Committee declined to submit a Member response at this time.

Resolved :

That the Committee note the draft response as an Officer technical response to the consultation but declines to submit a Member response at this time.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The Democratic Support Officer presented a report which requested the Committee to adopt the amended Member Development Strategy. Members were reminded that the Committee had made amendments to the Strategy at its last meeting in line with the Council’s Corporate Priorities.

It was suggested that an introduction to the Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership should be included in the 2011 Induction.

Resolved :

(1)        That Council Business Committee adopt the amended Member Development             Strategy 2010/11.

(2)        That an introduction to the Lancaster District Local Strategic Partnership     be             included in the 2011 Induction.

Report of the Corporate Director (Community Services).

The Principal Democratic Support Officer presented a report advising Members of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services Performance Report and Action Plan 2010 and consultation which was on five key service areas.

It was reported that in terms of actual performance, most targets had been met or exceeded and the performance assessment review undertaken by the Audit Commission had resulted in an excellent judgement – the only excellent rating out of 46 English Fire Authorities.

Members felt that the consultation should be responded to  on an individual basis and it was agreed that a link to the full consultation would be circulated to all Members.

Resolved :

(1)        That the Committee note the Performance Report and Action Plan 2010.

(2)        That a link to the full consultation be circulated to all Members to allow them            to respond individually.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

Members considered a report of the Head of Democratic Services updating Members on the Council’s submission for Charter Level 2 status for Member Development.

Members were reminded that at the last meeting of the Committee it had been agreed that further work would be undertaken on Community Engagement and the role of Councillors as Community Leaders as a topic for a level 2 submission. The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Officers had undertaken work on this, but having consulted North West Employers Organisation (NWEO), it was felt that this was not a suitable area to concentrate on.

Out of this work had come the suggestion that the level 2 submission could be based on the 2011 Induction. Work could begin on this at the Special Council meeting when prospective Councillors would be requested to complete a questionnaire. If they were subsequently elected, this baseline measurement would be used to assess their progress as the induction took place. It was suggested that Group Leaders and Administrators could assist in the assessment of the progress made by the newly elected Councillors and how this impacted on their work in the community.

Members discussed the proposal and agreed that this should be taken forward as the project for the Level 2 submission subject to NWEO approval.

Resolved :

That the Committee note the progress made and approve, in principle, that the Council’s submission for Charter Level 2 be based on the induction programme for new Councillors following the elections in May 2011.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The Principal Democratic Support Officer introduced a report which updated Members on the preparations for the Special Council meeting taking place in October.

The Committee was reminded that it had agreed a theme of “Would you like to be Councillor” at its last meeting which was an event to promote the role of City Councillors to potential candidates for the 2011 elections.

Members were advised that arrangements for the event, which would take place at Morecambe Town Hall, were progressing and an initial programme for the event had been produced. A small number of Councillors had volunteered to take part in the event offering to share their experiences of being a Councillor.

It was suggested that Members should be reminded about the event as it was felt that not all were aware if it.

Resolved :

(1)        That the Committee note the progress made so far with arrangements for the             Special Council meeting.

(2)        That a reminder e-mail be sent to Members about the Special Council          meeting.

Group Administrators were invited to put forward nominations for any changes to memberships of committees. The changes submitted by the Conservative, Free Independent and Labour Groups were accepted.

Resolved :

That the following nominations and changes to membership of committees be accepted.

Conservative Group

Planning Regulatory Committee                      Delete Ken Brown

                                                                        Add Tony Johnson

Free Independent Group

 Planning Regulatory Committee                     Delete Peter Robinson

                                                                        (add Peter Robinson as a substitute)

                                                                        Add Paul Woodruff                             

Labour Group

Overview and Scrutiny                                    Delete Rebekah Gerrard

                                                                        (add Rebekah Gerrard as substitute)

                                                                        Add Karen Leytham