The Constitutional and Nomination Committee of Manchester Council met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to discuss the appointment of councillors to various committees and external organisations, as well as proposed changes to the Council's constitution. The meeting's agenda focused on ensuring political balance across committees and confirming the membership and chairs of various council bodies for the upcoming year.

Constitution of the Council

The committee was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution. This included revisions to various parts of the constitution, such as Part 2 (Articles of the Constitution), Part 3 (Responsibility for Functions), Part 4 (Rules of Procedure), Part 5 (Financial Procedures), Part 6 (Codes and Protocols), Part 7 (Members' Allowances Scheme), and Part 8 (Management Structure). Key proposed changes included the renaming of the Environment, Climate Change and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Committee to Neighbourhoods, Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee, and the Economy and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to Economy Scrutiny Committee. Additionally, the report detailed the establishment of an Investigating and Disciplinary Committee and a Disciplinary Appeals Committee. The proposed changes aimed to align the constitution with national guidance and ensure clarity in the Council's operational framework.

Appointment of Chairs of Committee and Committee Membership

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recommending the size and composition of the Council's committees for the 2026/27 municipal year. This involved the appointment of Members to serve on various committees, including Scrutiny Committees, Non-Executive Committees, and specific roles such as Chairs of Scrutiny Committees, Chairs of Non-Executive Committees, and Deputy Chairs of the Licensing Committee, Licensing and Appeals Committee, and Licensing Policy Committee. Recommendations were also to be made regarding the composition and membership of the Standing Consultative Panel and the Health and Wellbeing Board Committee. The report outlined the principles of political balance that must be followed in allocating seats to committees, ensuring proportionality based on the Council's overall membership.

Appointments to Combined Authority, Joint Authorities, Joint Committees and Boards

The committee was also scheduled to review and make recommendations to the Council regarding appointments to external bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included nominations to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), various GMCA or AGMA bodies, and other joint committees and outside bodies. The report detailed the specific membership requirements for these organisations and the proposed appointments and nominations. This process ensures the Council is represented on regional and joint bodies, contributing to wider strategic discussions and collaborations.

Minutes of the Meeting Held on 28 January 2026

The committee was to consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28 January 2026. These minutes covered discussions on the implementation of the Elections Act 2020, specifically regarding postal vote renewals, and proposed redesignations of polling places ahead of the May 2026 local elections. The report detailed updates on polling district redesignations in various constituencies, including Charlestown, Moston, Manchester Central, Manchester Rusholme, and Wythenshawe and Sale East.

Urgent Business and Appeals

The agenda also included standard items for urgent business and appeals. Urgent business allows for the consideration of any items the Chair agrees to submit as urgent, while the appeals section covers any appeals from the public against the refusal to allow inspection of background documents or the inclusion of items in the confidential part of the agenda.

Declaration of Interests

As is standard practice, members were provided with an opportunity to declare any personal, prejudicial, or disclosable pecuniary interests they might have in any items on the agenda. This ensures transparency and adherence to ethical standards in decision-making processes. Members were also asked to record any items from which they were precluded from voting due to Council Tax or Council rent arrears, and to declare the existence and nature of any party whipping arrangements in respect of items to be considered.