Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor (Councillor Chauhan) and from Councillor Hindle.

Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th February 2024 to follow.

Council considered the Minutes of the meetings held on 13^th December 2023, 22^nd January 2024 and 28^th February 2024.

Further to Minute 11 of the meeting held 13^th December 2023 (Notice of Opposition Business), in respect of Motion 3: The Protection and Safeguarding of Children, a member queried the accuracy of this section of the minutes stating that a bullet point, containing the following information had been omitted …’Minute the meetings of the Elected Members cross-party steering group, make them available to all members and to the general public via the council website. Additionally provide a quarterly report detailing any actions and progress made.’

A recorded vote, in line with the Regulations was then taken on the accuracy of the Minutes of the Council meeting held 13^th December 2023, as follows:

.

On a recorded VOTE being taken 32 VOTES were cast in FAVOUR of the Minutes being approved as a correct record with 26 VOTES cast AGAINST and there were 0 ABSTENTIONS. The Minutes were therefore APPROVED.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Council meetings held 13^th December 2023, 22^nd January 2024 and on 28^th February 2024 be approved and signed by the Mayor as correct records.

Councillor Hobin declared a disposabel pecuniary interest in agenda item 10: Notice of Administration Business (Motion 2 – Bee Network).

The Deputy Mayor agreed to accept an Item of Business, Review of Political Balance on Committees, as a matter of urgency in accordance with S.100 B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972; Urgent Council consideration was required to enable a review of the political composition of committees and to note the composition of the political groups as previously notified under Regulation 8 (1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Section 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 for the remainder of the 2023/24 municipal year and the matter could not reasonably wait until the next scheduled Council meeting.

The Item was considered at Item 17 of the agenda.

The Deputy Mayor announced that following discussions with group leaders he was varying the order of the agenda by moving item 16 (Places for Everyone Plan) to item 10, to enable a more thorough discussion on the proposals contained in the submitted report. Council agreed to this.

The Council was informed that there were two Members who had indicated they would be retiring at the end of the current Municipal Year.

Councillors Mushtaq, Shah, Byrne and Al-Hamdani paid tribute to the work of Councillor Jenny Harrison.

Councillors Davis, Shah, Byrne and Al-Hamdani paid tribute to the work of Councillor Fryer.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There have been no Petitions received.

There were no petitions for this meeting of the Council to consider.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There is no Youth Councill business.

There was no Youth Council business for this meeting of the Council to consider.

(time limit 15 Minutes)

1.    Question from Mark Birchall

Having just watched the meeting on the 13/12/2023 I was surprised to see the youth council requesting stationary, then hijacked by the labour party to use it as a political football.

Can you please disclose how much money has been used so far to fit out the lavish offices being built in the Spindles for the Council’s staff and what monies have been provisioned for further work?

Can you please also verify that full attendance by staff in these offices are being achieved and the working from home has been restricted and staff are encouraged to come into work. Bearing in mind one of the statements made was staff in the Spindles will shop in the town?

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources replied, thanking Mr Birchall for his question. The Council offices in Spindles are a central part of redeveloping the town centre to support local shops - traders in spindles are already reporting increased footfall and spend because of the moves which is encouraging.

In addition, this change in public service office space has released vital brownfield sites that will be used to provide much needed new homes for Oldham’s residents.

We have reused existing furniture in the new space and the costs for the new infrastructure and fit out is around £800,000; and the costs of maintaining the new office space are lower than the costs for maintaining the Civic Centre.

The new office space offers a range of working arrangements, with some staff working from an office environment every day, some working from various Council and partner bases depending on the nature of their work, and some staff who work flexibly between offices and home. However, the new space can accommodate up to 1,000 people, which is important to continue to support town centre traders.

2.    Question from Lewis Farnworth

Will the council consider instead of unpaid carer's grant, an unpaid carer's loan this would provide essential support for what we unpaid carers deserve please can Councillor Jabbar or Councillor Barbara Brownridge to answer. This would better support us the low rate to pay back would potentially save the council funds that would have to be paid back.

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care replied, thanking Mr Farnworth for his question and for the suggestion about ways that the Council could support our valued carers in Oldham.

Oldham Council’s Carers offer included a range of free services for unpaid carers across the borough and I would urge Mr Franworth to get in touch to discuss what support we offer now and how we might better support him:

Heath issues; Entitlement to benefits; Mobility issues; Equipment and assistive technologies; Carers rights; Carers employment issues; One-to-one practical and emotional support; Carers assessments; Carers personal budgets (subject to eligibility criteria which is based on the Care Act); Signposting/referrals to social services and other providers; Oldham carers emergency support scheme (OCESS); Activities/Talks/Training; Access to Carers Support Groups and Networks.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

(Time limit 90 minutes)

Leader and Cabinet Members to present their reports

Non-executive members may ask questions.

a.    Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Reform and Regeneration – including the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held 13^th November 2023, 11^th December2023 and 22^nd January 2024; urgent decisions made during 2023/24; and the meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 24^th November 2023, 15^th December 2023, 26^th January 2024 and 9^th February 2024

b.    Deputy Leader and Housing and Licensing Portfolio

c.    Deputy Leader and Children and Young People’s Portfolio

d.    Education and Skills Portfolio Holder

e.    Health and Social Care Portfolio Holder

f.     Communities and Culture Portfolio Holder

g.    Neighbourhoods Portfolio Holder

h.    Business, Employment and Enterprise Portfolio Holder

i.      Finance and Corporate Resources Portfolio Holder

Council agreed that the Council Procedure Rules would be varied so that there would be 10 minutes for questions to the Leader from Group Leaders and 10 minutes for the section on portfolio responsibilities.

Councillor Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Question 1: Environmental Services

Councillor Sykes noted that it was proposed that 30 posts were to be cut from the Council’s Environmental Services, despite the Council’s poor record in environmental enforcement. He asked what impact this will have, if any, on front-line services? Therefore, he asked, does the Leader still stand by the proposed staffing cuts and will the public be affected by this proposal?

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, replied that the Liberal Democrat group had not objected to this proposal at the Budget Council meeting on 28^th February 2024 and had not put forward any viable alternate options. The Leader of the Council noted that the austerity measures that had been forced onto the Council by central government, since 2010, had resulted in the Council having to make difficult decisions.

Question 2: Public Space Protection Orders

Councillor Sykes stated that several Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO), that were in place to protect some of the Borough’s most valued open and public spaces, had been allowed to lapse, such as Crompton Moor, which had expired in November 2023. The failure to have a PSPO in place left these spaces vulnerable to damage and vandalism. Councillor Sykes asked who in the Labour administration would be held accountable for the failure to renew the PSPOs that had lapsed? Are there other, similar, Orders that have not been renewed?

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, replied that the PSPOs were currently being reviewed by the Council and further discussions thereon would be held in due course.

Councillor Sheldon, Leader of the Conservative Group

Councillor Sheldon stated that in 2022/23 only about 94% of Council Tax monies in the Borough had been collected and that not once, since 2014, had the collection rate reached 95%, which equated to about £30 million of lost income. Councillor Sheldon asked if the Council was actively seeking to reclaim this money and what plans were in place to seek an improvement in future years.

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, replied that the Oldham’s Council Tax collection rates were in the top three for Greater Manchester authorities. 

Councillor Hobin, Leader of the Failsworth Independence Party

Councillor Hobin referred to recent successful resident well-being events that Failsworth Independence Party members had been promoting, which had seen the funding of porojects in green spaces, in Failsworth, via Section 106 funds. A wellbeing market was due to be held in Failsworth and Councillor Hobin asked if the successful template for these types of events could be rolled out across the Borough.

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council replied, commending the work of the Failsworth Independence Party members in this regard and she agreed with Councillor Hobin’s suggestion. 

Councillor Ghafoor Leader of the Oldham Group

Councillor Ghafoor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

A Joint Development Plan Document for Nine Greater Manchester Local Authorities (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) 2022-2039 (The Places for Everyone Plan)

Councillor Taylor MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which sought Council approval to formally adopt The Places for Everyone Plan - incorporating the Main Modifications, amendments to the Policies Map and Additional Modifications - in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) (“2012 Regulations”) and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) (“2004 Act”).

The Places for Everyone Plan: A Joint Development Plan Document for nine Greater Manchester Local Authorities (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) 2022-2039 (PfE) was the strategic spatial plan for the nine constituent boroughs and, as such, set out a collective planning policy framework.  All policies within the plan were "strategic policies".  It was being prepared as a Joint Development Plan Document of the nine local planning authorities. 

The report provided details of the current position with regards to the PfE Plan, summarising the main modifications, the Inspectors Report and any implications for Oldham of the PfE Plan as modified.

The documents appended to the submitted report were listed under section 20 below and were available to be viewed on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s website.

AMENDMENT

Councillor Sykes MOVED and Councillor Al-Hamdani SECONDED the following AMENDMENTS.

a.    Under Page 2 ‘Recommendations’ Delete the words ‘is recommended’ and to insert ‘resolves’.

b.     To delete recommendations i. to vi.

c.    To insert a new recommendation i. to read: ‘Reject the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan 2022-2039 and remove Oldham Borough from Places for Everyone.’ 

d.    To insert new recommendation ii. to read: ‘Pursue the development of an ‘Oldham Local Housing Strategy’ which prioritises ‘Brownfield First’ development and truly affordable housing.’

Therefore, the amended recommendations to read:  
‘This Council resolves to:

      i.        Reject the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan 2022-2039 and remove Oldham Borough from Places for Everyone.

    ii.        Pursue the development of an ‘Oldham Local Housing Strategy’ which prioritises ‘Brownfield First’ development and truly affordable housing.’

A recorded vote, in line with the Regulations was then taken on the AMENDMENT as follows:

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

To be moved by Councillor Shah

Seconded by: Councillor Birch

This Council calls for a lasting peace in Palestine & Israel

The loss of civilian life in Palestine and Israel since October is intolerable, Save the Children estimates that over twelve-thousand children have died in Gaza since the start of this conflict.

The conflict has had a deep and emotional impact on many Oldhamers, some of whom may have friends or relatives in the region.

Whilst this Council is limited in our ability to affect change in foreign policy, we have a duty to express the concerns of our residents.

This Council Notes:

·         that the House of Commons passed a resolution backing calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages.

·         that members of this Council, led by the Mayor Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan and Leaders of all Political Groups, called for a ceasefire in early November.

·         the international community is increasingly backing calls for a ceasefire and welcomes comments in this regard by the UK Foreign Secretary and US President but recognises that words are not enough, and Palestinian civilians need urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

·         the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and expresses concerns at reports that Israel has failed to comply with this ruing.

·         that Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 incidents of anti-muslim hatred since October 7^th – the largest volume of cases recorded in four months since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011.

·         that the Community Safety Trust recorded 2,699 incidents of anti-Jewish hate between October 7^th and the end of the year – totalling two-thirds of all incidents reported in 2023.  

This Council:

·         condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7^th October 2023.

·         reiterates calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza.

·         urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.

·         recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

This Council further:

·         resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

·         supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

·         regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take place.

Motion 2

To be moved by Councillor Taylor

Seconded by: Councillor Holly Harrison

Bee Network

Bus deregulation was a failed experiment. Passengers lost out and vital public transport routes were lost.

Once Tranche 2 of bus franchising in Greater Manchester launches at the end of March over half of Greater Manchester buses will  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Motion 1: This Council calls for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel

Immediately prior to this Motion being moved and seconded, the Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Sheldon, addressed Council outlining his Group’s concerns regarding the legality of this Motion. Accordingly, Councillor Sheldon and the other Conservative group Councillors present (Councillors Adams, Arnott, Byrne, Lancaster, Quigg, Sharp and Woodvine) withdrew from the meeting during the consideration and determination of this Motion.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Birch SECONDED the following Motion:

The loss of civilian life in Palestine and Israel since October is intolerable, Save the Children estimates that over twelve-thousand children have died in Gaza since the start of this conflict.

The conflict has had a deep and emotional impact on many Oldhamers, some of whom may have friends or relatives in the region.

Whilst this Council is limited in our ability to affect change in foreign policy, we have a duty to express the concerns of our residents.

This Council Notes:

·         That the House of Commons passed a resolution backing calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages.

·         That, members of this Council, led by the Mayor Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan and Leaders of all Political Groups, called for a ceasefire in early November.

·         The international community is increasingly backing calls for a ceasefire and welcomes comments in this regard by the UK Foreign Secretary and US President but recognises that words are not enough, and Palestinian civilians need urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

·         The International Court of Justice’s provisional measures and expresses concerns at reports that Israel has failed to comply with this ruling.

·         That Tell MAMA recorded over 2,000 incidents of anti-muslim hatred since October 7^th – the largest volume of cases recorded in four months since Tell MAMA was founded in 2011.

·         That the Community Safety Trust recorded 2,699 incidents of anti-Jewish hate between October 7^th and the end of the year – totalling two-thirds of all incidents reported in 2023.  

This Council:

·         Condemns the terror attacks carried out by Hamas on 7^th October 2023.

·         Reiterates calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, observed by all sides, to allow urgent aid into Gaza.

·         Urges all international powers to work together to establish a diplomatic process to deliver the peace of a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.

·         Recognises that a Palestinian state is key to lasting peace in the region, and that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and not in the gift of any neighbour.

This Council further:

·         Resolves to support the Oldham Interfaith Forum and Community Safety Partnership to combat any incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in Oldham.

·         Supports diplomatic efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief is provided in Gaza.

·         Regrets that previous attempts to pass a ceasefire resolution at the UN Security Council have failed.

·         Believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and must not take  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1 (Liberal Democrats)

To be moved by Councillor Harkness

Seconded by Councillor Gloster

Save Oldham Coliseum Theatre

This Council believes:

Oldham Coliseum Theatre was a treasured local asset that has drawn audiences from across the country to Fairbottom Street for more than 135 years. Its productions have put Oldham on the map and brought acclaim from across the UK’s arts and culture sector.

For many years, the Coliseum has been one of only a handful of producing theatres outside of London, providing a platform for the development of new work. The closure of its Fairbottom Street home signifies a serious failure by all parties involved, with the withdrawal of ACE funding – and the failure to secure the long-term future of the site, despite missed opportunities linked with town centre regeneration projects.

This Council notes that:

Since the Coliseum announced that it would close in March 2023, the public support for the Theatre has been phenomenal. Oldham residents, theatregoers from across the country, as well as some of the biggest names in UK performing arts are united by a desire to resolve the difficulties facing the Oldham Coliseum; and keep it on Fairbottom Street where it belongs.

In September 2023, despite the then leadership of this Council publicly stating

otherwise, a study commissioned by the Coliseum Board concluded that the Fairbottom Street building is not beyond repair and could be used again and brought up to a modern standard with the appropriate investment.

Investing in the Fairbottom building could be a much more cost-effective proposal freeing up millions for other projects and much needed regeneration.

This Council resolves to:

1. Examine the feasibility of refurbishing and investing into the Fairbottom Street building.

2. Explore funding streams that could help finance the redevelopment of the existing venue, including the reallocation of funds from other initiatives linked with the future of Oldham Coliseum.

3. Bring a report to cabinet as soon as possible outlining the steps that this Council can take to support the Oldham Coliseum Theatre to remain at home, on Fairbottom Street, which would also help regenerate that part of Oldham town centre and Yorkshire Street.

Motion 2 (Conservative Party)

To be moved by Councillor Quigg

Seconded by Councillor Sheldon

Confidence in Oldham Council Leadership

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Marcellus states that “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” and sadly following the closure of Oldham’s Coliseum theatre by this Council, these words echo across the empty stage and stalls as a warning to this Boroughs Leader. For instead of Denmark, the people of this town believe “Something is rotten in Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council”.

Driven by the next press release or online video, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) and this Labour administration continues in its quest for the ‘Game Changing’ Holy Grail that will fix the town’s decline. The numerous town centre focused projects that go over budget; such as the thirty two million pound overspend on the Cinema, the failed Hotel Future and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Motion 1: Save Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Councillor Harkness MOVED and Councillor Gloster SECONDED the following Motion:

This Council believes that Oldham Coliseum Theatre was a treasured local asset that has drawn audiences from across the country to Fairbottom Street for more than 135 years. Its productions have put Oldham on the map and brought acclaim from across the UK’s arts and culture sector.

For many years, the Coliseum has been one of only a handful of producing theatres outside of London, providing a platform for the development of new work. The closure of its Fairbottom Street home signifies a serious failure by all parties involved, with the withdrawal of ACE funding – and the failure to secure the long-term future of the site, despite missed opportunities linked with town centre regeneration projects.

This Council notes that: since the Coliseum announced that it would close in March 2023, the public support for the Theatre has been phenomenal. Oldham residents, theatregoers from across the country, as well as some of the biggest names in UK performing arts are united by a desire to resolve the difficulties facing the Oldham Coliseum; and keep it on Fairbottom Street where it belongs.

In September 2023, despite the then leadership of this Council publicly stating

otherwise, a study commissioned by the Coliseum Board concluded that the Fairbottom Street building is not beyond repair and could be used again and brought up to a modern standard with the appropriate investment.

Investing in the Fairbottom building could be a much more cost-effective proposal freeing up millions for other projects and much needed regeneration.

This Council resolves to:

1. Examine the feasibility of refurbishing and investing into the Fairbottom Street building.

2. Explore funding streams that could help finance the redevelopment of the existing venue, including the reallocation of funds from other initiatives linked with the future of Oldham Coliseum.

3. Bring a report to cabinet as soon as possible outlining the steps that this Council can take to support the Oldham Coliseum Theatre to remain at home, on Fairbottom Street, which would also help regenerate that part of Oldham town centre and Yorkshire Street.

AMENDMENT:

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Dean SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

This Council believes that Oldham Coliseum Theatre is a treasured local asset that has drawn audiences from across the country to Fairbottom Street for more than 135 years. Its productions have put Oldham on the map and brought acclaim from across the UK’s arts and culture sector.

For many years, the Coliseum has been one of only a handful of producing theatres outside of London, providing a platform for the development of new work. The closure of its Fairbottom Street on the back of the withdrawal of ACE funding was regrettable.

Since the Coliseum announced that it would close in March 2023, the public support for the Theatre has been phenomenal. Oldham residents, theatregoers from across the country, as well as some of the biggest names in UK performing arts are united by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To update council on actions from the previous Council meeting held on 13^th December 2023 and meetings earlier in the 2023/24 municipal year.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services, which informed members of actions taken following the meeting of the Council on 13^th December 2023.

Resolved:

That the actions regarding motions and issues from the meeting of the Council on 13^th December 2023 be noted.

Member’s Annual Reports received are attached

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sykes SCONDED a report which presented the Member Annual Reports for 2023.

As part of the ongoing work to strengthen accountability to local people and their role as a Councillor in a co-operative borough, Elected Members were asked to produce an annual report that presented information regarding their work in the community over the last 12 months. Individual reports included ward priorities, work in the community and contact information.

Members were informed that their Reports were available to view under the Councillors’ section on Oldham Council’s website.

Council was advised that those Members with reports outstanding had until 31^st March 2024 to submit them.

RESOLVED:

That the Member Annual Reports for 2023 be noted.

To approve a Members Allowance Scheme for 2024/25

Council considered a report of the Director of Legal Services, which advised that the Members Allowances Scheme for 2024/25 required Council approval. The Independent Remuneration Panel had considered the scheme and their report and recommendations thereon were contained at Appendix 1, to the submitted report.

AMENDMENT

Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Woodvine SECONDED the following AMENDED MEMBERS ALLOWANCE SCHEME for 2024/25:

On being put to the Vote the AMENDED MEMBERS ALLOWANCE SCHEME for 2024/25 was LOST.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the recommendations detailed in the report, with the revised appendix be approved.

2.    That the Basic Allowance for members remain unchanged in 2024/25.

3.    That the Special Responsibility Allowances, in 2024/25 remain unchanged, except for the Chair of MioCare.

4.    That the annual increase for 2024/25 should be the percentage increase for a local government officer at grade SCP 49.

5.    That all other aspects of the Scheme, as detailed at Appendix 2 of the submitted report, remain unchanged.

To consider the appointment of two Independent Persons to the standards committee under the Localism Act 2011.

Councillor Holly Harrison MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services which notified Members that Council is required, under the Localism Act 2011, to appoint at least one Independent Person(s) to assist with Standards matters. Council had previously agreed to have four Independent Persons and there were current vacancies which had been advertised. The duties of the Independent Person include being consulted at various stages of standards conduct allegations against members and undertaking duties if required on matters relating to the dismissal of relevant officers under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) Regulations 2015.

A panel comprising of a member representative from each of the three largest groups, namely, Councillors Dean, Hamblett and Sheldon, assisted by the Director of Legal Services, conducted the interviews to make a recommendation to Council.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Gillian McCarthy and Mark Reynolds be appointed as Independent Persons for a four-year term.

2.    That the term of office for the current Independent Person, Karen Williams, term of office be extended for a four-year period from June 2024.

A report updating Council on revisons to the authority’s political balance

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services which advised that Council had received notification that Councillor Aftab Hussain had joined the Labour Group and that Councillor Hurley had resigned from The Independent Group further to Regulation 8 (1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Section 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Considering this, the Council was asked to review the political composition of committees and to note the composition of the political groups as previously notified under Regulation 8 (1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Section 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 for the remainder of the municipal year.

RESOLVED

1.    That the composition of the political groups as shown in paragraph 1.1, of the submitted report, be noted.

2.    That the number of seats on the various Committees for the remainder of the 2023/24 Municipal Year as detailed in paragraph 1.5, of the submitted report, be approved including those committees which are not strictly politically balanced as previously agreed by Council earlier in 2023/24 – the Scrutiny Boards.

3.    That any outstanding appointments, where a Group is entitled to a committee seat, be delegated to the Chief Executive in accordance with the wishes of the relevant political group.