Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Operations

The Group Director of Operations submitted a report (previously circulated) to advise Council of the outcome of a review of the political balance of the Authority resulting from a change to the membership of a political group.

The submitted report stated that since the last review of the political balance of the Council in May 2024, there had been a change to the political make-up of the Council, following Councillor Pease’s resignation from the Conservative Group to sit as an Independent Member. It was highlighted that political groups are allocated seats on the committees in accordance with political balance rules, which were outlined within the submitted report.

Members were advised that as a result of the change to the political balance, the Council was required to review the allocation of seats to political groups.

RESOLVED – (a) That the change to the political balance of the Council be noted.

(b)   That the allocation of seats, as set out in Paragraph 14 of the submitted report be approved.

(c)    That the re-allocation of two additional seats to an Independent Member (one seat on the Health and Housing Scrutiny Committee (with a reduction of one seat on this Committee from the Conservative Group) and one seat on the Members Standards Hearing Committee (with a reduction of one seat on this Committee from the Conservative Group)) be agreed.

REASON - To reflect the changed political balance of the Council and to comply with legislation.