Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025

Purpose:

Content: That the Democracy and Standards Committee:       (i)        approve the revised Terms of Reference for the Constitutional Working Group (set out at Appendix A to this report);     (ii)        agree the membership of the Constitutional Working Group for 2025/26;    (iii)        agree a Chair of the Constitutional Working Group for 2025/26.     Reason for decision – • To ensure a mechanism is established and maintained to keep the Council’s constitution and governance structure under review.   Alternative Options Considered – • Do nothing – A working group does not need to be established for the Council to review its constitution or governance arrangements. However, this would go against the request of Full Council in February 2021 to establish a working group as the request has not been withdrawn. This would also limit members opportunity to closely review the proposals, share ideas for improvement and efficiency or influence the recommendations. For these reasons this option is not recommended.   • Re-establish a working group to review the Council’s Constitution and consider governance arrangements – this is the recommended option for the reasons outlined above to ensure that North Northamptonshire has an effective constitution that is fit for purpose.