Issue - meetings

(A report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer)

The Assistant Director – Governance and Monitoring Officer introduced the report, which set out a request received from Fosdyke Parish Council for a Community Governance Review (CGR), seeking to increase the size of the Parish Council from five to seven councillors. The CGR would be carried out in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. The proposed Terms of Reference was attached as Appendix A within the report.

Members were advised that, if approved, the Review would follow the timetable set out within the appendix, including a public consultation period and subsequent reporting to Full Council for final determination. The proposal was considered reasonable on the basis of the parish’s current electorate and in line with national guidance.

During the discussion, Members welcomed the request from Fosdyke Parish Council, commenting that it was encouraging to see active interest in parish governance at a time when many areas struggled to attract new councillors. The important role of parish councils in supporting rural communities was emphasised, and Members felt that increasing the size of the council would help strengthen local representation.

Reference was made to the wider context of Local Government Reorganisation, with Members noting that parish and town councils were likely to play an increasingly important part in representing local views, particularly should there be structural changes at principal authority level. The Leader highlighted this point specifically, commenting on the significance of strong parish governance for the future.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Stuart Evans.

Resolved:

1.    That a Community Governance Review be undertaken for the Parish of Fosdyke;

2.    That the Terms of Reference for the Community Governance Review, attached in Appendix A within the report, be approved; and

3.    That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Governance and Monitoring Officer to carry out the review with the findings of the review reported to Council for final decision.