Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were given from Councillor Worrow and Councillor Fellows.

To receive any declarations of interest.  Members are advised to consider the advice contained within the Declaration of Interest advice attached to this Agenda.  If a Member declares an interest, they should complete the Declaration of Interest Form 

To approve the Minutes of the Constitutional Review Working Party meeting held on 12 November 2024, copy attached.

It was proposed by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Britcher and Councillors agreed that the minutes of 12 November 2024 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Ingrid Brown, Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer, introduced the report on Sealing Of Contracts, making the following key points:

·  The report proposes a tweak to the constitution, which would make a difference to officers regarding the rules in relations to the sealing of documents.

·  The recommendation was as followed: the constitution be amended so that “1. Article 14, paragraph 14.05 reads as follows:

The Common Seal of the Council will be kept in a safe place in the custody of the Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer. A decision of the Council, or any part of it, will be sufficient authority for sealing any document necessary to give effect to the decision. The Common Seal will be affixed to those documents which in the opinion of the Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer, should be sealed. The affixing of the Common Seal will be attested by The Head of legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer, the Chief Executive, the Section 151 Officer, a Director, or some other person authorised by the Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer. An entry of every document sealed shall be made and consecutively numbered in a book to be provided for the purpose and shall be signed by a person who has attested the seal.”

Councillor Pugh proposed, Councillor Everitt seconded, and Councillors agreed the following recommendation:

“It is recommended that Council approve the following amendments to the Constitution:

1. Article 14, paragraph 14.05 so that it reads as follows:

The Common Seal of the Council will be kept in a safe place in the custody of the Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer. A decision of the Council, or any part of it, will be sufficient authority for sealing any document necessary to give effect to the decision. The Common Seal will be affixed to those documents which in the opinion of the Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer, should be sealed. The affixing of the Common Seal will be attested by The Head of legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer, the Chief Executive, the Section 151 Officer, a Director, or some other person authorised by the Head of Legal and Democracy and Monitoring Officer. An entry of every document sealed shall be made and consecutively numbered in a book to be provided for the purpose and shall be signed by a person who has attested the seal.”