The Council of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Thursday 22 May 2025 to discuss the appointment of committees and panels, review the statement of licensing policy, and consider recommendations from the Constitution Working Group. The meeting's agenda also included the formal annual business of the council.

Appointment of Committees and Panels and Other Associated Annual Business

The council was scheduled to consider its committee structure for the upcoming year, May 2025 to May 2026. This included reviewing and approving the terms of reference for non-executive and regulatory committees, as well as policy development and scrutiny panels. The report detailed proposed political proportionality for committee seats, ensuring a balance of representation from different political groups. Additionally, the council was to note the annual activity reports of Member Advocates and the Police and Crime Panel's annual report. Arrangements for Cabinet business and any urgent executive decisions taken in the previous year were also to be noted.

Licensing Act 2003: Review of Statement of Licensing Policy

A key item on the agenda was the review of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, as required by the Licensing Act 2003 every five years. The report outlined the findings of a public consultation exercise on the proposed revised policy, which aims to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The proposed policy does not currently include a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), as the previous one expired in 2022. The council was to consider evidence for reintroducing a CIA, which would involve further statutory consultation. The adoption of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy was recommended, with no direct financial, property, or people implications identified.

Constitution: Recommendations from the Constitution Working Group

The Council considered recommendations from its Constitution Working Group, which had been re-established to address outstanding work on Contract Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. The group proposed revised Contract Standing Orders to align with the Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect in February 2024. These changes include updates reflecting the UK's exit from the EU, new requirements for Commissioning and Procurement Plans, and revised thresholds for contract value and decision-making. The council was also asked to approve a new Financial Scheme of Delegations, consolidating financial delegation levels into a single document, and to grant the Section 151 Officer delegated authority to review and approve updated Financial Regulations. Furthermore, the group recommended that all votes on substantive items at full council meetings be named votes, with the voting details recorded in the minutes, effective from July 2025. Consequent procedural rule amendments to facilitate this change were also to be considered.