MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

23 JULY 2014

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Report Prepared by Debbie Snook

1.        REVIEW OF ALLOCATION OF SEATS ON COMMITTEES

1.1      Councillor Ash has returned from holiday and given notice of his wish to be treated as a Member of the Conservative Group.  Arising from this a request has been received for a review to be carried out of the arrangements for the allocation of seats to political groups pursuant to Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

1.1.1   The revised allocation of seats on individual Committees is set out in Appendix A, together with details of the adjustments required to achieve overall political balance.  The calculation assumes a total of 115 seats on Committees as previously, no change in the size of Committees and the Planning Referrals Committee comprising three Members, one from each of the largest political groups which is as set out in the Constitution, but not politically balanced.   Appendix B demonstrates the political balance on the various Committee sizes.

1.1.2   Section 17 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 provides for exceptions to the political balance requirements.  In essence, 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.

1.2      RECOMMENDED

1.2.1   That the calculation for entitlement to seats on individual Committees and the requisite adjustments as set out in Appendix A be determined.