Agenda and minutes

None.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Council.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 March 2020 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.

Due to a technical issue, Councillor A Jhawar left the meeting during consideration of this item.  His connection was not restored before the meeting closed.

The Leader expressed gratitude to the NHS, keyworkers and Council staff for their response to the Coronavirus pandemic and expressed sympathy to the families of local residents who had died.  The Leader reflected on the cross-party work that had taken place to support the community and looked ahead to the lessons that needed to be learnt for the future.

Councillor A J Eade also reflected on the unprecedented situation and paid tribute to all those working to support the community.  He reflected on the financial cost of the crisis and the need for the Council to do everything in its power to secure the future prosperity of the borough.

Similarly, Councillor W L Tomlinson expressed his thanks to keyworkers and Council staff and extended condolences to those bereaved during the pandemic.

In response, the Leader reflected on the scale of challenge that lay ahead as the Council sought to reform and reset.

To elect a Mayor for 2020/21.

It was moved by Councillor H Rhodes, seconded by Councillor K Middleton, that Councillor A Jhawar be elected as Mayor of the Council. Following a vote it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor A Jhawar be elected as Mayor of the Council for the municipal year 2020/21.

To elect a Speaker for 2020/21.

It was moved by Councillor G C W Reynolds, seconded by Councillor J Lavery, that Councillor A R H England be elected as Speaker of the Council. A vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor A R H England be elected as Speaker of the Council for the municipal year 2020/21.

To elect a Deputy Speaker for 2020/21.

It was moved by Councillor D R W White, seconded by Councillor A D McClements, that Councillor H Rhodes be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council.  A vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor H Rhodes be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council for the municipal year 2020/21.

To elect a Deputy Mayor for 2020/21.

It was moved by Councillor N A M England, seconded by Councillor R C Evans, that Councillor R Mehta be appointed as Deputy Mayor. A vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor R Mehta be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Council for the municipal year 2020/21.

The Associate Director: Policy & Governance left the meeting during consideration of this item. Mr I Ross, Deputy Monitoring Officer, attended as Legal Advisor.

The Leader presented the report of the Chief Executive which set out proposals to designate the Associate Director: Policy & Governance as the Council’s Monitoring Officer with effect from 4 July 2020 following the restructure of the Senior Management Team and subsequent departure of the current Monitoring Officer.

Councillor S Davies proposed the recommendations contained in the report, seconded by Councillor R A Overton.  On being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED – that the statutory role of Monitoring Officer is assigned to the post of Associate Director: Policy & Governance and that the current post-holder, Ms A Lowe, is designated as the Council’s Monitoring Officer with effect from 4 July 2020.

At the conclusion of this item, the Associate Director: Policy & Governance rejoined the meeting and the Deputy Monitoring Officer left.

To note the appointment, by the Leader of the Council, of Members to serve on the Cabinet for 2020/21.

Councillor S Davies notified the meeting of Cabinet appointments.

RESOLVED – that the Membership of the Cabinet, as notified by Councillor S Davies, be appointed for the municipal year 2020/21 as set out in the Leader’s report.

To re-assert the Council’s delegation scheme in accordance with the Constitution.

Councillor R C Evans, Cabinet Member for Council Finance and Governance, proposed that Council approve the Council’s delegation scheme as detailed in the Constitution.

RESOLVED – that the discharge of Council functions by Committees as set out in the Council’s Constitution dated 5 March 2020 be approved under the provisions of Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972

To consider the report of the Associate Director: Policy & Governance in relation to Members’ duties under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the failure of any Member of the Council to attend meetings of the authority.

Councillor R C Evans presented the report of the Deputy Monitoring Officer which noted that due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, it was likely that there would be fewer meetings of the Council, limiting opportunities for Councillors to fulfil their duties under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Councillor Evans proposed and Councillor A D McClements seconded the recommendations set out in the report and it was

RESOLVED – that:

(a)  the reason for non-attendance as set out in paragraph 4.3 of the report be approved;

(b)  it be required that all Members who find themselves having to rely upon the reasons set out in the report, inform the Monitoring Officer when this occurs.

(c)  review of this matter take place by no later than the next Annual Council meeting.

To confirm the appointment of the Committees and Boards of the Council for 2020/21, including the Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Members to serve on those bodies.

Proposals for the appointment of Committees, Commissions and Boards, etc in accordance with the political balance of the Council had been submitted. 

RESOLVED – that the internal bodies for the municipal year 2020/21 (including the appointment of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen) be appointed as set out in the report.

To confirm the programme of dates for ordinary meetings of the Council for 2020/21.

The programme of dates for ordinary meetings of the Council for 2020/21 would be as set out in the report.