Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 18 November, 2020 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th November 2020 were accepted as a correct record. It was noted that these would be signed by the Chair when a paper copy was available.

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 Committee considered the report presented by the Head of Democratic Services outlining the timetable of committee meetings for the 2021/2022 municipal year.

It was noted that there was an error in Appendix 1 circulated with the agenda, regarding Cabinet meetings, which would commence at 5:00 p.m. (rather than at 6:00 p.m. as indicated). An amended Appendix 1 is attached.

It was reported that there had been a consultation with Councillors on when meetings ought to be held. This had taken into account the practice during the Covid19 pandemic of holding virtual meetings, and the potential to return to physical meetings at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls in the future. The Committee took into consideration the needs of Councillors who worked regular hours (9:00 – 5:00), and noted the advantage of the 6:10 p.m. start time at Lancaster for physical meetings as regards car parking. The suggestion that the (usually) longest meeting, that of Budget Council, be held during the day was thought not to be necessary at this time, though could be reconsidered in the future should the need arise.

It was proposed by Councillor Geoff Knight and seconded by Councillor Joyce Pritchard:

‘That the recommendations as set out in the report, including the correction to Appendix 1, be approved.’

 Upon being put to the vote, Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposition, whereupon the Chair declared the proposal to be carried.

Resolved:

That the timetable of meeting dates, times, and venues for the 2021/2022 municipal year as at Appendices 1 and 2 (attached) are agreed.