Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Allen, K Buck, J Courtenay (substitute: Cllr Campbell) and M Terry.

There were no declarations of interest at this meeting.

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday, 8 March 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Executive Director (Strategy and Change)

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Strategy and Change) presenting for consideration the principles for a review of the Council’s Constitution and the timeline for the preparation of a refreshed constitution for adoption by the Council for consideration.

On consideration of the report the Committee discussed the principles, workplan and timeline and made the following comments:

·       A review of the whole constitution was a priority.

·       The revised constitution must be simple, accessible and easy to understand for everyone (Councillors, officers and the public).

·       The review must be member-led and all Councillors should be engaged in the process.

·       The format should follow the modern themed approach.

·       Noted the challenging timescales to complete the review by December 2024.

Resolved:

1. That a review of the constitution in accordance with the indicative timescales, as set out in the submitted report, be approved.

2. That the following principles which will form the basis of the review, be approved:

·       Plain English

·       Simple and accessible

·       Transparent

·       Member-led

·       Efficient decision making.

2. That the style and structure for the refreshed constitution be based on the modern themed approach.

3. That the meeting of the Standards Committee on 31^st July 2024 review Part 1 and Part 2 of the constitution and subsequent meetings consider drafts of each constituent part of the refreshed constitution sequentially.