Community Governance Review Working Group
Minutes:
57.1 The Chair invited the Interim Monitoring Officer to introduce the report.
57.2 Councillor Mansel proposed the recommendations as set out in the report. Councillor Linder seconded the motion.
57.3 Councillor Scarff proposed an amendment to recommendation 3.5 to read that the matter be brought back to full Council for a final decision and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to complete the CGR and any required Orders once all consultation submissions have been considered by the Community Governance working group and full Council. Councillor Pearson seconded the Motion. Councillor Mansel accepted the amendment.
57.4 Councillor Warboys asked for clarification on who the consultees would be. The Interim Monitoring Officer responded that the consultees were the town and parish councils that had already been consulted, residents of the area affected, and County Councillors, District Councillors, and MPs for the area. Additionally, businesses in the area who the Council had contact details for would be contacted.
57.5 Councillor Carter asked what the method of consultation would be. The Interim Monitoring Officer responded that the majority of the consultation would be through letters. However, there would be a dedicated email inbox so that people could respond directly which would be advertised on the Council’s website, and town and parish councils.
57.6 Councillor Walters queried whether there was a minimum response rate. The Interim Monitoring Officer responded that there was not a minimum number of responses required.
57.7 Councillor Walters asked whether alternative methods of publicity would be used as many residents would not engage with social media posts and flyers. The Interim Monitoring Officer responded that whilst social media posts would be used there would also be physical posters used across the affected wards.
57.8 Councillor Carter requested that information on the consultation should be available in high traffic areas such as leisure centres and doctor surgeries. The Interim Monitoring Officer responded that this would be considered.
57.9 Councillor Whitehead queried how the community governance review fed into the 2027 boundary review. The Interim Monitoring Officer responded that as part of the review, the Local Government Boundary Commission’s consent would be sought to change the boundaries, if approved by full Council, so that they could be changed ahead of the 2027 review.
57.10 Councillor Row raised concern on the accessibility of the consultation, and that the amount of information provided may not be fully understood by residents.
57.11 Councillor Mansel praised the work of the Community Governance Working Group for the thorough job they had done. She added that whilst it was difficult to know how many people would respond to the consultation, it would be ensured that those who would be affected by the change would be reached. Additionally, town and parish councils were aware of the consultation and could do their own publicity for the consultation.
By 28 votes for, and 2 against.
It was RESOLVED:
1. The draft recommendations, as set out in Appendix A be approved for consultation.
2. The issues and summary submissions to date are noted as set out in Appendix B.
3. That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to prepare the draft recommendations for consultation, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.
4. The Community Governance Working Group be authorised to amend draft recommendations and re-consult where necessary.
5. That the matter be brought back to full council for a final decision and that the monitoring officer be authorised to complete the CGR and any required Orders once all consultation submissions have been considered by the Community Governance working group and full Council.
Supporting documents: