Agenda item

(a)      Statement of Licensing Policy

Councillor J Thompson, Chair to the Council’s Licensing Committee, presented the report of the Director of Policy and Governance, which sought the Council’s approval of the statutory five-yearly review of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy, made under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Statement, which had been completed following a public consultation, led to an amended policy being produced by officers and considered by the Licensing Committee at its meeting held on 13 January 2026.

RESOLVED, that the revised Statement of Licensing Policy, as set out at Appendix A to the report, to be implemented on 26 January 2026, be approved and adopted.

(b)   Constitution Update

Councillor L Lewis, Chair to the Council’s Governance Committee presented the report of the Director of Policy and Governance, which updated Members on proposed changes to the Constitution following the review undertaken last year and to seek approval for the adoption of the revised Constitution.

During the debate, several Members expressed concerns about the proposed changes to meeting duration. Points raised included the potential impact on opportunities for discussion, the ability for Members to raise matters in a public forum, and the importance of Full Council as a venue for open debate on issues affecting local communities. Some Members also suggested that meeting frequency could be reviewed as an alternative approach.

In response, several Members noted that Full Council was one of several forums through which Council business was conducted, highlighting the role of committees and scrutiny in enabling detailed discussion and decision?making. It was also noted that Members had opportunities to engage with residents and address local issues outside of formal meeting arrangements. Members emphasised the importance of effective use of time and resources across all committees and working groups.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 22.3, a recorded vote was taken as follows:-

For (32)

Councillors E Aston, S Bentley, K T Blundell, M Boylan, A J Burford, S P Burrell, E M Callear, L D Carter, C Chikandamina, G H Cook, E Davies, P Davis, F Doran, N A Dugmore, A R H England, N A M England, S Handley, Z Hannington, C Healy, T L B Janke, A S Jhawar, J Jones, J Kaur, L Lewis, G Luter, A D McClements, R Mehta, K Middleton, H Morgan, T J Nelson, L Parker, I Preece, S J Reynolds, S A W Reynolds, R Sahota, P J Scott, S Syrda, G Thomas, P Thomas, J Thompson, K L Tomlinson, W L Tomlinson, K Tonks, R Tyrrell, O Vickers and D R W White.

Against (13)

Councillors S Bentley, K T Blundell, S P Burrell, N A Dugmore, T Janke, T J Nelson, S Syrda, G Thomas, P Thomas, K Tomlinson, B Tomlinson, K Tonks and R Tyrrell.

Abstained (1)

Councillor P J Scott.

RESOLVED, that the revised and updated Constitution, as detailed at Appendix A to the report, to take effect immediately, be adopted.

As a result of the last vote, the Speaker advised that there was now a maximum two-hour time limit for meetings of the Full Council, and a motion would need to be put forward by Council to request the meeting to be extended by up to 30 minutes.

A motion to extend the meeting was proposed by Councillor Carolyn Healy and seconded by Councillor Richard Overton and following a vote, it was:-

RESOLVED, that the duration of the meeting be extended by up to a further 30 minutes.