To consider amending the terms of reference of both the Member Advisory Panel relating to Property Investment and the Property Investment Cabinet Committee.

That the terms of reference of both the Member Advisory Panel relating to Property Investment and the Property Investment Cabinet Committee be amended as set out in the attached Appendix.

The Cabinet considered a reference from the Audit Committee recommending:-

“That consideration be given to the amendment of the terms of reference of both the Member Advisory Panel relating to Property Investment and the Property Investment Cabinet Committee to clarify the intention that decisions to either reject or take forward property investment proposals are to be taken by the Cabinet Committee based on the recommendation of the Advisory Panel, supported by a robust financial business case, and having specific regard to the CIPFA Code of Practice.”

Proposed amended wording to the Terms of Reference of both the Member Advisory Panel and the Property Investment Cabinet Committee were circulated at the meeting.

The Cabinet could have ignored the advice of the Audit Committee and not amended the wording of the terms of reference but this was not thought appropriate as the wording was felt to be ambiguous and the intention needed to be clarified clearly.