Councillor Matt Cooper

Matt Cooper's council service across five years, from 2022 to 2026, reveals a consistent engagement with governance and scrutiny, with a notable shift towards leadership roles in recent years. His early involvement, particularly in 2022 and 2023, was marked by his significant role as Vice-Chair of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee. During this period, he was instrumental in key financial and policy decisions, voting in favor of crucial recommendations such as the Revenue Estimates, Council Tax Setting, Treasury Management Strategy, Members' Allowances Scheme, and Pay Policy Statement in February 2023. He also demonstrated an interest in social issues, participating in discussions on Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance in November 2023, and presenting a statement on a planning application in January 2023. His commitment to scrutiny was further evidenced by his membership on the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee throughout this time.

Moving into 2024 and 2025, Cooper continued his committee work, serving on Licensing Panel D and maintaining his Vice-Chair role on the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee. The most significant evolution in his recent activity is his assumption of leadership as Chair of the Licensing Panel D meeting in June 2025. In this capacity, he actively managed proceedings, including announcing live broadcasting, adjourning applications, and signing minutes, demonstrating a clear progression in his responsibilities. While his attendance in 2025 was noted across several months, specific contributions outside of his Chair role were less detailed.

The most recent recorded activity in 2026 shows a more limited engagement, with his presence noted at a single Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting in January. No specific actions or statements were documented for him during this engagement, suggesting a potential reduction in his active participation or a period of less documented involvement in the most recent year.

Overall, Matt Cooper's priorities appear to have centered on robust financial oversight and governance, as evidenced by his consistent involvement with the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee. His focus has evolved to include a more prominent leadership role in licensing matters, culminating in his chairmanship in 2025. While his early years were characterized by active participation and voting on significant policy, his most recent engagement in 2026 indicates a more observational role. His consistent presence on scrutiny committees across multiple years underscores a sustained interest in holding the council accountable.