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Standards Committee - Thursday, 7th March, 2024 7.00 pm
March 7, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
The council meeting focused on reviewing and potentially amending various procedural and policy elements, including the contract procedure rules and the council officer protocol. The meeting also discussed changing the constitutional change process from a three-stage to a two-stage system.
Contract Procedure Rules: The committee discussed updates to the contract procedure rules in anticipation of the new Procurement Act 2023. The decision was to refresh rather than rewrite the rules, with updates to spend thresholds and job titles. The changes aim to streamline procurement ahead of the new legislation, ensuring the council remains compliant and efficient.
Council Officer Protocol: Amendments to the council officer protocol were proposed to improve council-officer relations. The discussion highlighted the need for clarity on councillors' interactions with officers and the public. The protocol was revised to include guidance on these interactions, aiming to foster respect and proper conduct. The committee agreed to the revisions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional and respectful relationships.
Constitutional Change Process: There was a significant debate on changing the constitutional change process from three stages to two. Proponents argued it would streamline decision-making and align with practices in other councils. Opponents worried about reduced scrutiny and the potential for rushed decisions. The committee ultimately voted to recommend this change to the full council, suggesting it could make the council more agile and responsive.
An interesting moment occurred when a councillor noted the need for better communication regarding local ward issues, highlighting the importance of keeping councillors informed to better serve their constituents. This underscored ongoing concerns about transparency and communication within the council.
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