Agenda item

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (LDS/23/14) presenting a review of the Council’s Policy Framework, as considered by the Governance Working Group, attached.

RESOLVED

(a) that Council be recommended to amend Article 4 of the Constitution as outlined in section 4 of the Report (with the additions to the policy framework shown in red);

(b) that further work be undertaken in relation to sign off processes for the (Sustainable) Community Strategy and Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy following further discussions with the partnerships regarding current arrangements; and

(c) that Council delegates Authority to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Governance Working Group to further amend the policy framework after the work at (b) is undertaken.

The Committee considered the Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (LDS/23/14) which presented a review of the Council’s Policy Framework, as considered by the Governance Working Group.

The Report highlighted the Council’s current Policy Framework as outlined in Article 4 in the Constitution and those plans currently requiring Council approval. It further highlighted the requirements of Schedule 3 of the Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000 which listed those functions not to be the sole responsibility of an Authorities Executive as well as outlining those additional strategies or matters not currently reflected in the Policy Framework, such as the Member Development Strategy and Members Allowances.

Views had been sought from the Governance Working Group and benchmarking across other Authorities as well as a review of Regulation 4 of the ‘Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000’, which included considering other plans and Strategies that other Authorities had detailed within their policy frameworks, also having regard to those matters which were also the responsibility of an Authorities Executive.

The Report proposed that the Article 4 be amended as outlined below, with amendments shown in red.

·       The Council’s Strategic / Corporate Plan;

·       Performance Plan and Summary

·       Minerals and Waste Development Plan documents;

·       Local Transport Plan;

·       Municipal Waste Management Strategy;

·       Pay Policy Statement

·       Youth Justice Plan

·       Corporate Parenting Policy / Plan

·       Children and Young People’s Plan

·       Member Development Strategy

·       Members Allowances

·       Constitution (except those minor updates which MO has delegated power to authorise as outlined in Article 15)

Any other Plan, Strategy or matter (whether statutory or non-statutory) in respect of which the Council from time to time determines that the decision on its adoption or approvals should be taken by full Council rather than the Cabinet.

The Committee also recognised there was a need to consider the (Sustainable) Community Strategy and Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy following further discussions with the partnerships and current arrangements.

The revisions to the Policy Framework ensured that the Council was complaint with the requirements of the ‘Local Authorities (Functions and Responsibilities) (England) Regulations 2000’ and also the inclusion of those matters previously signed off by Council but not reflected in the framework ensured clarity of decision.

Members commented on Economic Development Strategies and the link to the Council’s Corporate Plan, the future of the Local Enterprise Partnerships and any financial arrangements as part of this and potential Devolution deals and the Governance thereof and whether this impacted on the proposed changes, which it was confirmed it did not at this stage.

It was MOVED by Councillor Hart, SECONDED by Councillor Hughes, and

RESOLVED

(a) that Council be recommended to amend Article 4 of the Constitution as outlined in section 4 of the Report (with the additions to the policy framework shown in red);

(b) that further work be undertaken in relation to sign off processes for the (Sustainable) Community Strategy and Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy following further discussions with the partnerships regarding current arrangements; and

(c) that Council delegates Authority to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Governance Working Group to further amend the policy framework after the work at (b) is undertaken.