Agenda item

To receive the report of the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication providing Members with details of the requirments of the Act.

Members received the report of the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication, which provided Members with details of the requirements of the Act.

The Chair thanked officers for the report and noted the Council’s continued commitment to pre-scrutiny, the community liaison committee and public participation. 

Discussions ensued and a Member referenced page 11 of the report and sought clarification on abolition of community calls. The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication explained that there is the ability for electorates to request the community calls on a particular issue, however, this has been abolished within the Act.

A Member sought clarification on the number of young people who voted in the recent elections. The Service Director explained that he did not have the figures to hand but would be able to circulate these to Members following the meeting.

A Member noted that following Storm Dennis in 2020, outside bodies were called in to Scrutiny and that this was a valuable experience. The Member queried whether this process will continue within the Council. The Service Director confirmed that the intention is to strengthen that ability within the Council an for Members to be able to scrutinise other public bodies.

A Member further queried whether there will be a review of polling stations following the recent elections. The Service Director confirmed that the Council will be required to do this and that it will take place before the 2022 elections.

Discussions continued and a Member sought clarification on whether any training would be provided in relation to the Act. The Service Director confirmed that the intention is for training to be rolled out to every individual Committee following the Council’s AGM. The Chair further confirmed that if any Member felt that they needed any further assistance in relation to the Act then they can contact the Democratic Services Team who will be forthcoming in respect of any training needs.

A Member voiced her agreement with the earlier conversation regarding the figures for the turn out of the number of 16-17 year olds who voted in the recent elections. The Member also noted that in respect of Council employees who wish to stand for election, it would be useful if Members were told in advance of who these employees were. Furthermore, the Member noted that this would avoid the scenario where a candidate could use their position for electoral gain. The Service Director advised Members that the information can be forthcoming and that the Council would of course consider in that scenario what practicalities could be put in place to avoid any undue attention. In respect of posts that are politically restricted, the Service Director advised that anyone on the Senior Leadership Team is in a politically restricted role as well as any statutory posts.

The Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee noted that this point was recently discussed in the Scrutiny Committee and that it was noted Members had been reassured about this point by the Service Director, Democratic services & Communications.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED to note the update in the report and to also note the Council’s position statement outlined within the report in respect of the requirements of the Act.