Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from the Democratic Services Manager regarding council size submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

The report detailed the conclusions of a Member Working Group tasked with considering the Council Size submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) which would formally begin its work on 29 May 2018.

The committee requested more information on the electorate per councillor and the population per councillor to re-enforce the case that the size of the Council should not be reduced.

In response to members’ questions the Chief Executive and Democratic Services Manager said the following:

i.        Confirmed that forecasting would account for the increasing   population size including for areas with new developments.

ii.       Explained that the LGBCE required the forecasting         methodology to be included in the submission.

i.        Confirmed that the requested changes would be made to        section 4.4 and 4.5 to emphasise the impact of population growth on councillor workload in the LGBCE draft submission.

ii.       Confirmed that population and electorate statistics would be shared with Members prior to the Council meeting on 19 April together with more background information on the issues discussed

Resolved (unanimously) to:

i.        Recommend to Council the approval of a submission on         Council Size to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England of 42 councillors.

ii.       Approve drafting changes to the report for Council’s        consideration on 19 April agreed by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chair and spokes.