The Constitution and Governance Committee of Cornwall Council met to discuss several key issues, including amendments to planning procedures, the operation of urgency and call-in provisions, and changes to the overview and scrutiny arrangements. Decisions were made to approve various amendments and protocols, with some recommendations set to be implemented in 2025.

Delivering Strategic Priorities in the Planning System

The Service Director for Planning and Housing presented a report outlining proposals to prioritise affordable housing for local people. The aim is to involve Committee Members earlier in the application process to address concerns before formal determination, thereby streamlining the process.

During the debate, concerns were raised about public perception of the process as rubberstamping and the appropriateness of reducing the Strategic Planning Committee from 11 to 7 members. It was agreed that reducing the number would not necessarily streamline the process and that proper representation across the Council was essential. The expectation for developers to engage with communities and town and parish councils was emphasised to ensure transparency.

Councillor Conway moved, and Councillor J Thomas seconded, the approval of amendments to the supporting documents, including the Guidance for Members and Officers Dealing with Planning Matters and the Protocol for Planning Procedures. The implementation date for these amendments was set for 1 April 2024. Additionally, it was recommended to the Council that the Responsibility for Functions section of the Constitution be amended, with changes effective from 1 October 2024.

Operation of Provisions Relating to Special Urgency and Call-In

The Democratic Lead and Statutory Scrutiny Officer discussed the use of call-in and urgency provisions over the past municipal year. A constitutional change was proposed to enhance transparency. Councillor Jordan moved, and Councillor Wells seconded, the recommendation to the Council to note the usage of these provisions and agree on amendments to the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

Overview and Scrutiny Arrangements

The Committee reviewed the revised Overview and Scrutiny Protocol, which aims to align with the recommendations of the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS). The Chairman of the informal Scrutiny Improvement Review Working Group highlighted the importance of including the Audit Committee Chairman in informal meetings and the need for mandatory training for Members from 2025.

Councillor Jordan moved, and Councillor J Thomas seconded, the approval of the revised protocols and the renaming of the Customer and Support Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee to the Corporate Finance and Performance Overview and Scrutiny Committee. A bespoke Scrutiny Budget Committee was also supported. These changes are set to be implemented in 2025.

Annual Member Development Programme

The Democratic Lead and Statutory Scrutiny Officer presented the Annual Member Development Plan for 2024-2025. Councillor Jordan moved, and Councillor Wells seconded, the approval of the plan, which includes sessions on Home Security, Self Defence, and Health and Safety and Personal Responsibility. Authority was delegated to the Monitoring Officer to make further additions or changes to the plan in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee and Group Leaders.