Decision

That Council:

1. Approves the establishment of Political Assistant posts for qualifying Political Groups in accordance with section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989
2. Authorises amendments to the Constitution as set out in Appendix 1 to the report which are necessary to allow for the appointment of Political Assistants in accordance with section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
3. Authorises the Chief Executive to agree a local protocol in relation to Political Assistants, incorporating a job description for the role, in consultation with the Leaders of the Political Groups who qualify for appointment of a Political Assistant.
4. Authorises the Executive Director for Resources to identify the options for funding the roles for 2025/26 and to agree the most appropriate funding source, in consultation with the Leaders of the Political Groups who qualify for appointment of a Political Assistant.