Meeting: County Council (County Hall, Durham - Council Chamber - 05/11/2008 10:00:00 AM)
Item: A6 Electoral Review Update
Purpose of the Report
1 To provide an update to the Council on the latest position with the Electoral Review.
Background
2 At its meeting on 9 September 2008 the Council approved a submission to the Boundary Committee to Stage 1 (Council Size) of the Review based upon recommendations of the all-party Member Working Group.
Boundary Committee Response
3 The Boundary Committee has since notified the Council that it has considered the Stage 1 submission but has not yet come to a decision on the most appropriate council size for the new unitary authority and would like additional information. In particular the Boundary Committee are keen to see how council size will link with the Council's new governance structure in terms of Member roles and resultant workloads. This work is currently under development through the Constitution Working Group.
Next Step
4 The Committee has asked to meet with Members and Officers to explore an appropriate way forward which is mutually agreeable. Arrangements are being made for the all-party Member Group to meet with Boundary Committee representatives in December.
5 In the meantime, the Committee has confirmed that it will not be launching the next stage in the Review (design of the new Electoral Divisions) previously timetabled to begin on 21 October.
Conclusion
6 Members are asked to note the position and the outcome of the meeting with the Boundary Committee will be reported in due course.
Background Paper(s)
Letter dated 10 October 2008 from the Boundary Committee for England.
Attachments