Agenda item

To receive the report of the Service Director, Democratic Services & Communication.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications presented the report to Members, which provided members with the opportunity to review the arrangements introduced in May 2019 in respect of ‘Members Question on Notice’ at full Council meetings and to ensure these arrangements are still fit for purpose.

Discussions ensued and a Member noted her agreement with the recommendations contained within the report and in particular to the 20 minute rule.

Another Member noted that there was previously a maximum of 5 questions from Members and that it’s possible that the 5 questions wont be tabled in some cases. The Member felt that at least 5 questions should be asked and that if this goes over the allocated time limit then so be it. The Member also noted that in terms of supplementary questions the Member noted that we should carry on as we are at present and that if a Member has started a question they should be allowed to finish, even if over the allotted time frame. In respect of leaders tabling questions, the Member felt unsure about this aspect and noted that it would be possible to end up in a situation where a Leader tables a question to himself.

The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications advised Members that a group leader could table a question to themselves but emphasised that this is to allow them to have responsibility for their group and to simplify the process of tabling questions. In respect of supplementary questions, the Presiding Officer noted that it will go to Council, however, he noted his view that he is happy to stick to the allotted time frame for supplementary questions.

Discussions ensued and another Member noted his agreement with the recommendations, particularly in terms of tabling questions. In terms of Leaders tabling questions, a Member sought confirmation that they have the ability to do so but that it isn’t enforced so that questions don’t need to be tabled through the Leader. The Service Director, Democratic Services & Communications confirmed that the right of Members to table questions would still exist.

Discussions continued and Councillor Jarman noted her view that it would be preferable for Members to submit their own questions without going through the group Leader. In respect of the number of questions that were tabled, Councillor Jarman also noted that only just over 5 questions were actually asked on average per meeting. In

respect of supplementary questions, Councillor Jarman noted her disagreement to the recommendation and queried why the Presiding Officer couldn’t allow some flexibility to allow the individual Member to ask the supplementary question. Councillor      Jarman further emphasised that every Member of the Council should have the right to send in their individual questions without being ‘vetted’ by their group Leaders first. The Presiding Officer responded by emphasising that every Member still has the ability to send in a question. The Service Director confirmed this to be correct.

Another Member also emphasised that every individual Member can also email the respective Cabinet Member with any additional question that they may have.

Discussions ensued and a Member noted his view that the average questions per meeting is just over 6 rather than just over 5.

Another Member noted that in terms of supplementary questions, that the group leading the Council is being very dismissive in terms of other Members outside of the leading Group being given an opportunity to question and challenge the Leadership.

Councillor Jarman noted her view that in terms of supplementary questions, it would be useful if the answers were more concise and that training would be useful for Members in terms of answering questions to allow for more concise answers and to maximise the allotted time allowed for Members.

Councillor Jarman that it is only those asking a supplementary question that will be disadvantaged by the 20 minute rule.

The Presiding Officer emphasised that every individual Member has the right to email individual officers or the respective Cabinet Member with a question and that they do not have to wait for the full Council meeting. 

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED

·       To approve the question arrangements adopted at the Annual General Meeting of the Council in 2019 as outlined within the report;

·       To approve the questions posed in 5.9 of the report; and,

·       To recommend the current arrangements of Questions on Notice to the twenty sixth Annual Council Meeting on the 26^th May 2021.