It was moved by Councillor Cox, seconded by Councillor Mrs Gooch:

1.  That the allocation of seats on Committees be as set out in amended Appendix 1 to the report of the Head of Policy, Communications and Governance which has been circulated separately.

2.  That the wishes of the Group Leaders with regard to membership of Committees, as set out in the schedule circulated separately, be accepted.

Amendment moved by Councillor Perry, seconded by Councillor Cuming, that the proposed seat allocations be amended to reflect the original seat allocations agreed in May 2019 and that the wishes of Group Leaders regarding the membership of Committees be agreed following the meeting.

This amendment was not put to the vote.  Section 17 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 provides for exceptions to the political balance requirements. The Council can amend the political balance of a Committee provided that notice of the intention to give such consideration has been given to all Members of the Council and that when the alternative arrangements are put to the vote at the Council meeting, no Member of the Council votes against them.  Councillor English indicated that he formally objected to the amendment.

The original motion was then put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the allocation of seats on Committees be as set out in amended Appendix 1 to the report of the Head of Policy, Communications and Governance which has been circulated separately.

2.  That the wishes of the Group Leaders with regard to membership of Committees, as set out in the schedule circulated separately, be accepted.

Note:

Councillors Fort and Newton left the meeting before the voting on this item.

Councillors J and T Sams left the meeting during consideration of this item (10.15 p.m.).