Issue - meetings

The Council is requested to appoint representatives to sit on the West of England Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny and Audit Committees and must also appoint a named individual to the role of Local Returning Officer and Electoral Returning Officer for the West of England Combined Authority mayoral election in May 2017.

The Council considered a report seeking representatives for the West of England Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny and Audit Committees.  The Council was also asked to appoint the Local Returning Officer for the West of England Combined Authority Mayoral Election.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Warren, seconded by Councillor Dine Romero, it was

RESOLVED

1.  To give effect to the Combined Authorities (Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Access to Information and Audit Committees) Order 2017 (the Order) and provide nominations to the West of England Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny and Audit Committees;

2.  To agree to the establishment of a voluntary joint scrutiny committee between the Overview and Scrutiny Committee established under the Order referred to in resolution 1 and North Somerset Council; and

3.  To appoint the current Returning Officer, Maria Lucas as Local Returning Officer for the Mayoral election in May 2017.

[Notes;

1.  During debate, an unsuccessful amendment was moved by Councillor Joe Rayment and seconded by Councillor Robin Moss which proposed an alternative proportionality calculation based upon population rather than Councillor numbers.  This was lost, with 7 Councillors voting in favour, 44 Councillors voting against and 9 Councillors abstaining.

2.  The substantive motion was carried with 47 Councillors voting in favour, 8 Councillors voting against and 5 Councillors abstaining.]