Change to Leader and Committee Governance Arrangements
Preamble
Darlington Borough Council is
entering its second no overall control administration in five
years, and there is a very real prospect of a situation of no
overall control continuing for the foreseeable future. The largest
political group on the council received only 35.1% of the popular
vote. It is Council’s belief that governance arrangements
that enable all political parties to share in shaping and directing
the future direction of the Council should be developed.
Resolved
Council therefore resolves,
under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011:
(a) To change its governance arrangements and start to operate a committee system form of governance.
(b) That the relevant change time for Darlington Borough Council to cease operating the existing form of governance and start operating the new committee form of governance shall be at its Annual Council in May 2024.
(c)
To request the Chief Executive Officer to work with
the four Group Leaders to draw up detailed proposals for the
operation of the committee system, to be considered at the February
Council meeting, in advance of the May 2024 implementation
date.
(d) That the Chief Executive, working with the four Group Leaders, seek external support and advice from organisations including the Local Government Association, Association for Public Service Excellence, the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny, New Local, and other Councils with experience of undertaking governance reviews.
Minutes:
The Mayor informed Members that the Motion had been withdrawn by Councillor Snedker prior to the commencement of the meeting.