The sixth matter requiring approval was in relation to the recommendation of the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Committee (4 October, 2016) minute 19(1), to approve amendments to the Council Constitution - Scheme of Non-Executive Delegation of Functions to Officers (Part 3, Schedule 4A Part 1).

It was moved by Councillor Denise Roberts and seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey that the Scheme of Non-Executive Delegation of Functions to Officers (Part 3, Schedule 4A Part 1) as amended, be approved.

Two amendments which had been circulated in the Council Summons supplementary agenda pack were submitted in accordance with Standing Order 12(1) and (9), as follows:

Proposed by Councillor Chris Blakeley

Seconded by Councillor David Elderton

“Amendment to Minute 19 (1)

Delete a) and b) of the recommendation and replace with: 

that no changes be made to the existing scheme and the matter be referred back to the Standards and Constitutional Oversight Working Group for further consideration.

Minute 19 (2) and 19 (3) remain unaltered”.

and;

Proposed by Councillor Phil Gilchrist

Seconded by Councillor Alan Brighouse

“Delete recommendations 1 (a) and (b) and insert…

Council understands the motivation for administrative adjustments having regard to the suggested titles enshrined in the new operating model. Council believes that the reporting arrangements for both delegated council and executive decisions taken by officers are not yet adequate or sufficiently developed for Members to be fully aware of the decisions being taken within the governing framework.  Council seeks a clearer overview of the operation of the delegation given to officers.

Council needs to be confident that, given the range of activities being undertaken and the limited opportunities for scrutiny that exist, there are reasonable reporting mechanisms.

Council, therefore, does not accept the suggested amendments until there is a full appreciation of the need for Members of all parties to know what is being done in their name”.

On a motion by Councillor Phil Davies, seconded by Councillor George Davies it was moved that the amendments be put to the vote without debate.

A vote was taken on Councillor Davies’ motion and was carried (52:6) (One abstention).

Prior to votes on the amendments and substantive motion, Councillor Chris Blakeley and five Conservative Members rose to request that Conservative Members names be recorded a in respect of each vote on the amendments and substantive motion.

The first amendment moved by Councillor Chris Blakeley was put and lost (23:35) (One abstention).

Conservative Members in favour of Amendment one - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, E Boult, D Burgess-Joyce, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, I Lewis, L Rennie, L Rowlands, A Sykes, G Watt, and S Williams.

The second amendment moved by Councillor P Gilchrist was put and lost (23:35) (One abstention).

Conservative Members in favour of Amendment two - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, E Boult, D Burgess-Joyce, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, I Lewis, L Rennie, L Rowlands, A Sykes, G Watt, and S Williams.

A vote was then taken on Councillor Roberts’ substantive motion that the Scheme of Non-Executive Delegation of Functions to Officers (Part 3, Schedule 4A Part 1) as amended, be approved.

Conservative Members against the Motion - Councillors T Anderson, C Blakeley, E Boult, D Burgess-Joyce, Mrs W Clements, D Elderton, G Ellis, J Green, P Hayes, A Hodson, K Hodson, I Lewis, L Rennie, L Rowlands, A Sykes, G Watt, and S Williams.

One abstention – Councillor P Hackett.

RESOLVED (35:23) (One abstention) - That the Scheme of Non-Executive Delegation of Functions to Officers (Part 3, Schedule 4A Part 1) as amended, be approved.