To notify the Mayor of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings held on

The Minutes of the meetings held on 28^th September, 2007 and 26^th October, 2007 were confirmed as correct records and signed by the Mayor.

The Mayor reported that since the last meeting she had attended 27 functions including two charity evenings which had been held in aid of her chosen charity.  These were a “Wedding Dress Display and Exhibition” at St. Mary’s Church, Newton Aycliffe and a “Variety Entertainment Evening” held at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

She had also attended a number of Civic functions and events as well as a diamond wedding celebration.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services.  A copy of the Statement of Licensing Policy was circulated with Cabinet agenda for the 22^nd November 2007.  Please bring your copy to the meeting.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that the current policy had been recently reviewed and redrafted and had taken into account recent changes in the Government Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act.

It was reported that following the completion of the statutory consultation process the draft Policy was considered by Licensing Committee 2 on 22^nd October before it was sent to Cabinet for information and Council for approval.  Members were informed that the Policy needed to be approved by Council and published by the 7^th January, 2008.

RESOLVED :      That the report be received and the recommendations approved.

Report of Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive regarding the above. (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the Electoral Administration Act 2006 required the Council to complete a review of polling districts and polling places by the end of 2007.

The final proposals indicated in Schedule 2 of the report were made after taking into consideration all of the representations received. The polling places identified provided all electors reasonable facilities for voting as would be practicable in the circumstances and so far as was reasonable and practicable were accessible to all electors including those with disabilities.  

RESOLVED :            That the report be received and the recommendations adopted.

Report of Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The report , which was submitted on an annual basis in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, identified scrutiny reviews which had been undertaken and achievements which had been made by Overview and Scrutiny Committees during the year.

It was reported that an IDeA Review of Overview and Scrutiny had been conducted and concluded that the Council had “made real progress in developing overview and scrutiny”.

In terms of future reviews Members were informed that in view of Local Government Re-organisation the Corporate Plan would be reviewed so that short term priorities could be addressed. A transitional document covering the period up to March, 2009 would be produced and taken to Cabinet for approval. Overview and Scrutiny Committees would then consider appropriate topics for review.

RESOLVED:             That the report be received.