Issue - meetings

To receive the annual review of Political balance and appointment of Scrutiny Chairs (copy enclosed).

Agreement on the recommendation was by consensus. No formal vote was taken. All committee members indicated they were in favour of the recommendation, no one indicated they were against it. It was:

The Democratic Services Manager (DSM) guided members through the report (previously circulated), presenting the membership details for each committee.  He highlighted the committees that required representation from groups to complete their membership.

During the discussion members referred to recent changes in Scrutiny membership that had been required from changes to political group membership.  It was noted that the changes to group membership had resulted in a change of political balance that affected certain committees and groups.

Emphasis was given to the difficulties certain political groups experienced. Particular reference was made to the difficulties faced for Planning Committee membership due to the Welsh Government regulations in place relating to multi-member wards. Confirmation was given that the group leaders and members would discuss and agree membership for the Planning Committee where 2 members of the same ward expressed an interest in being on the committee.

The Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services (HLHDS) suggested that the concerns of the committee be highlighted to group leaders to look at membership of committees with particular emphasis on Planning Committee membership. Members were in agreement that such concerns should be raised with group leaders.

The Chair thanked the officers for the report, he stated it was very informative and useful. It was,

RESOLVED, that the Democratic Service Committee note the report on the political balance position for the allocation of committee seats. It was agreed that the HLHDS would ask group leaders to review the current membership for the Planning Committee.