Decision

Council approved the following recommendation:

The Lord Mayor put the recommendations of the report to the vote and on a show of hands declared the recommendations approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That Full Council:

i)                Approved the proposed constitutional changes required to reflect Government changes to the planning system as set out in section 4 and in Appendix A of the report; and

ii)               Approved the proposed constitutional changes required to the Scheme of Delegations to Officers as set out in section 4 and Appendix C of the report.

2)    That Full Council noted the proposed scope and timetable for the wider review of the Constitution.

Reasons for Decision:

1)     Changes to the Council’s Constitution are required to implement the Government’s new National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions and the introduction of the post of Chief Operating Officer. The Government has introduced a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions, alongside rules on the size of planning committees. These regulations were laid in Parliament on 15 July, and the changes will come into force on 31 October 2026. Proposed changes are outlined in Section 4 and set out in full in Appendices A and C.

2)     The Council is required under section 9P of the Local Government Act 2000 to prepare and keep up to date its Constitution. The Local Government Act 2000 (Constitutions) (England) Direction 2000 also prescribes matters that must be included within the Constitution. Although the Constitution has been updated on a piecemeal basis over time, a more structured review is now appropriate to ensure that it remains legally compliant, clear, accessible, up to date and aligned with good governance practice, including transparent decision-making and clear lines of responsibility.

3)     The Council’s Constitution is central to effective governance and decision making. It defines the Council’s decision-making structures, the respective roles of members and officers, the procedures for meetings and the framework through which transparency, accountability and lawful decision-making are secured. A review is proposed to ensure that the Constitution remains up to date, clear and fit for purpose.