Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2022.

The minutes (copies of which had been circulated) of the meeting held on 27 September 2022 were approved as a correct record.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

Councillors and officers to declare any interests which they have in any of the items on the agenda for the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

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.