Issue - meetings

The committee received a report introduced by the Democratic Services Manager.

In response to Members’ questions the Democratic Services Manager said the following:

i.               “Caring needs” was not limited to only children but anyone who would be in need of care.

ii.              The pro-rata special responsibility allowance (SRA) was for a Councillor who steps into for example an Executive Councillors role during the time the Councillor on leave is away. The Councillor who has had to take leave will still receive their SRA while they are on leave. The SRA does not cover councillor work covered by the basic allowance eg. ward work.

iii.             There had been continuous discussions with Central Government about embracing advantages of online voting and ways of working that were in effect during COVID.

iv.            Group Leaders, and their delegated representatives have been involved in the drafting of this report.

A written statement from Councillor Porrer in support of the report was read out by the Committee Manager.

Resolved (by 5 votes to 0 – unanimous of those able to vote) to:

i.               Approve the Leave Policy for Councillors (appended).

ii.              Infant feeding by a Councillor be it breast-fed or bottle-fed is permitted at council meetings.