Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 27 October 2022 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting of 27^th October 2022 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no items of Urgent Business.

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

Councillors 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, Councillors 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, Councillors 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. 

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

The Elections Manager introduced the report on the responses received to the second stage consultation process for the proposal to create The Yealands Parish Council. The Committee was informed of the timescale established by the Draft Order which is to be implemented in April 2024 and the single objection that had been raised during the consultation period.

The Committee asked questions on the cost implications of the Order and the additional Parish Council election that would be undertaken in May 2024.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Darren Clifford and seconded by Councillor Joan Jackson:

“That the Committee agrees to the draft order for the creation of the Yealands Parish Council and that it will be submitted to Council on 15^th March 2023.”

Resolved: -

(1)   That the Committee agrees to the draft order for the creation of the Yealands Parish Council and that it will be submitted to Council on 15^th March 2023. 

Report of the Head of Democratic Services.

Published 23 February 2023

The Principal Democratic Support Officer introduced the report of the Head of Democratic Services outlining the proposed plans for the induction of new Councillors following the City Council elections on Thursday, 4 May 2023 and sought views and comments from Committee Members.

The proposed timetable had been prepared based on feedback from the previous election cycle where it was felt the induction process was too intense. As a result, committee training sessions would now take place immediately before the relevant committee where possible.

The Committee then discussed and commented on the proposed timetable. The issue of a lack of declaration signings outside of working hours was raised. It was felt that this would be a barrier for working Councillors as would having the majority of sessions in Lancaster Town Hall rather than Morecambe Town Hall. It was felt by the Committee that making the timetable available to candidates before the election would also be useful as this would allow them to make appropriate arrangements with employers and for childcare.

There was a discussion of the “to be arranged” Member Briefings by Cabinet Members on Portfolios and the briefing of members on the Council’s strategic plans as well as a request that induction materials also include plans of the Town Halls to help new councillors find meeting rooms and department working areas.

Resolved: -

(1)   That the comments of the Committee be considered and incorporated into the post-election Induction Training Programme for 2023 and a new draft be circulated to members of Council Business Committee.

(2)   That the Induction Programme timetable be circulated via Election Agents prior to the May elections.