Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) seeking members’ approval of the procedures to be adopted for drafting new and revised policies.

RESOLVED that the procedures for drafting new licensing policies and reviewing existing policies (as detailed in the appendix to the report) be approved.

The Licensing Officer (NJ) submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection Services (previously circulated) seeking members’ approval of the procedures to be adopted for drafting new and revised policies.

Apart from statutory requirements, there were no written procedures in place for officers to follow when drafting new licensing policies or reviewing existing licensing policies.  Approving a set of procedures should reduce any risk of exposing the Council to challenge and administrative error.

Members’ attention was drawn to the following –

·         new policies would include a full consultation exercise, including screening the policy using the Equality Impact Assessment Toolkit, and reporting the outline of the policy and scope of consultation to members

·         for existing policies requiring general amendments officers would discuss proposed amendments with members, along with any consultation requirements and would seek members to recommend to the Lead Member the adoption of the amendments

·         the Head of Service would approve minor policy amendments including legislative updates or in cases where it is considered the change would not affect the purpose of the policy

RESOLVED that the procedures for drafting new licensing policies and reviewing existing policies (as detailed in the appendix to the report) be approved.