Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance providing a further update on the arrangements for implementation of the outcome of the Community Governance Review regarding the Parish of Heybridge – Basin Ward.  The report also sought Members’ consideration of matters to be the subject of the Reorganisation Order.

The report provided background information regarding the recent decision to create a new Civil Parish and Parish Council for the area currently forming the Basin Ward of the Parish of Heybridge (as detailed in Appendix A to the report).

The matters for inclusion in the Re-organisation Order were set out in the report and a draft of the Order was attached at Appendix B to the report for Members’ consideration.

When presenting the report the Leader of the Council advised that there were costs relating to the changes required to the Council Tax database and any other costs related to staff time, however there was a contingency built in. 

The Leader highlighted that paragraph 4.1 of the report was incorrect and should be amended to read “…linked to the Corporate Impact / Outcome with the objective of excellent services and value for money and an open and transparent organisation”.  This was noted.

The Leader of the Council then proposed, that subject to the above amendment the recommendations as set out in the report be approved.  This was duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the proposed Re-organisation of Community Governance Order under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 to give effect to the agreed outcome of this Community Governance Review be approved;

(ii)            That should Heybridge Parish Council wish to retain a membership of 12 Councillors it is advised that this will require a separate election consequent upon implementation of these proposals, the cost of which will be an expense attributable to the Parish Council;

(iii)          That the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance is authorised to continue and conclude discussions with Heybridge Parish Council and representatives of the Local Referendum Group as required in relation to all necessary administrative matters and including the transfer of land and property;

(iv)           The £16,115 be made available from reserves to fund the operational costs of delivery to be borne by the Council.