Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service (Legal & Democratic Governance) and Monitoring Officer.

The purpose of the report is to bring forward a proposed change to the constitution relating to the timing of submission of amendments to motions for reconsideration by the Working Party.

The Working Party is recommended to:

(1) consider and note the report; and

(2) discuss any other matters the Working Party consider may need amending in the constitution during the municipal year.

Officer contact: Vicki Bates 0161 474 3219 | vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk

The Strategic Head of Service (Legal and Democratic Governance) & Monitoring Officer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing information relating to the timing of submission of amendments to motions to Full Council for member’s consideration.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

The timing of submission of amendments to motions to Full Council

·         It was suggested that the areas of the constitution that dealt with the timing of submission of amendments to motions be reconsidered.

·         It was felt that additional time to consider amendments to motions could benefit those without the support of political assistants and any members with a learning difficulty.

·         It was also felt that additional time to consider amendments to motions could impact current flexibility and the ability to react and debate issues at the meeting itself.

·         It was noted that a meeting adjournment could be used as a tool to enable members to consider a matter further.

·         It was suggested that best practice relating to the timing of submission of amendments to motions to Full Council from other local authorities be sought.

·         Members were encouraged to put forward options to the Monitoring Officer in advance of the next meeting.

Polling district review

·         Members were advised that this matter would be brought to the next meeting of the Constitution Working Party.

RESOLVED – (1) That the report be noted.

(2) (4 for, 3 against, 0 abstentions) That best practice relating to the timing of submission of amendments to motions to Full Council from other local authorities be sought and brought back to a future meeting of the Constitution Working Party for member’s consideration.