MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL ACTING AS CORPORATE TRUSTEE OF THE CHARITY KNOWN AS THE COBTREE MANOR ESTATE

19 May 2018

 

REVIEW OF ALLOCATION OF SEATS ON THE COBTREE MANOR ESTATE CHARITY COMMITTEE

 

Final Decision-Maker

Maidstone Borough Council acting as Corporate Trustee of the Charity Known as the Cobtree Manor Estate

Lead Head of Service

Angela Woodhouse, Head of Policy, Communications and Governance

 

Lead Officer and Report Author

Sam Bailey, Democratic and Administration Services Manager

Debbie Snook, Democratic Services Officer

 

Classification

Public

 

Wards affected

All

 

Executive Summary

Following the Borough Council elections on 3 May 2018, a review has been undertaken of the allocation of seats on the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee.  The Council, acting as Corporate Trustee, is asked to agree the allocation of seats on the Committee.

 

This report makes the following recommendation to Council:

1. That the allocation of seats on the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee as set out below be approved:

 

Conservative Party

2

Liberal Democrat

2

The Independent Group

1

Labour Party

0

Independent Maidstone

0

Independent (Cllr R Webb)

0

 

 

 

Timetable

Meeting

Date

Maidstone Borough Council Acting as Corporate Trustee of the Charity Known as the Cobtree Manor Estate

19 May 2018



REVIEW OF ALLOCATION OF SEATS ON THE COBTREE MANOR ESTATE CHARITY COMMITTEE

 

 

 

1.    INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

 

1.1     The Council has a statutory requirement under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 to ensure political proportionality in the membership of Committees.  Following the Borough Council elections on 3 May 2018, the composition of the Council has changed, and this necessitates a review of the allocation of seats on Committees, including the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee which comprises five Members.

 

 

2.    AVAILABLE OPTIONS

 

2.1   To achieve political balance, the allocation of seats on the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee would be as follows:

 

Conservative Party

2

Liberal Democrat

2

The Independent Group

1

Labour Party

0

Independent Maidstone

0

Independent (Cllr R Webb)

0

 

2.2   Section 17 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 provides for exceptions to the political balance requirements.  Essentially, 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.

 

 

3     PREFERRED OPTION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

 

3.1   It is proposed, following consultation with Group Leaders, that the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee be politically balanced, and that the allocation of seats on the Committee be as set out in paragraph 2.1 above.

 

 

4.    RISK

4.1  The review of the allocation of seats on the Committee will ensure an appropriate political balance in membership of the Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

5.    CONSULTATION RESULTS AND PREVIOUS COMMITTEE FEEDBACK

 

5.1   Group Leaders have been consulted on the proposed allocation of seats on the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee.

 

 

6.    NEXT STEPS: COMMUNICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISION

 

6.1   Once the allocation of seats has been decided upon, there is a duty to give effect to the allocation by making appointments to them in accordance with the wishes of the Group Leaders on behalf of their respective Political Groups.  The Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee has indicated previously that it wishes to retain, as far as possible, the same membership for continuity purposes.

 

 

7.    CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS

 

Issue

Implications

Sign-off

Impact on Corporate Priorities

N/A

Head of Policy, Communications and Governance

Risk Management

See section 4 above.

Head of Policy, Communications and Governance

Financial

The Committee forms part of the original plan for the committee system of governance and as such there are no additional financial implications.

Section 151 Officer

Staffing

There are no staffing implications

Head of Policy, Communications and Governance

Legal

The legal implications are set out in the body of the report.

Legal Team

Privacy and Data Protection

No specific issues arise.

Legal Team

Equalities

The review will ensure an equitable political representation in membership of Committees.

Equalities and Corporate Policy Officer

Crime and Disorder

No specific issues arise.

 

Head of Policy, Communications and Governance

 

Procurement

No specific issues arise.

 

Head of Policy, Communications and Governance

 

8.    BACKGROUND PAPERS - None