Agenda item

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer which presented the proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution as part of the annual review, for adoption by Council on 24 May 2023. The Deputy Monitoring Officer informed Cabinet that they were required to approve the delegation of executive powers and the recommendation for this had been updated since the initial report had been published (for copy of report see file of minutes).

The Leader of the Council informed Cabinet that the Constitution set out how the Council operated with functions set out in law or other functions introduced through local choice. Councillor Hopgood highlighted the importance of regularly reviewing the Constitution and the report summarised work carried out throughout the year. The revised structure, format and appearance of the Constitution meant that the document would be more accessible and user friendly. The cross-party Constitution Working Group had been consulted on the proposed changes particularly in relation to the Council Procedure Rules and Code of Practice for Planning matters.

Councillors R Bell and A Shield echoed the comments made by the Leader of the Council and welcomed the proposed reformatting of the document and updated Officer Scheme of Delegations.

Resolved:

Cabinet approved the delegation of executive powers as set out in report along with the proposed amendments to the officer scheme of delegation as set out at paragraphs 40 to 56 of the report and recommend that Council agree the proposed amendments to the Council’s Constitution at its meeting on 24 May 2023.