Decision details

To consider a refresh of the Council’s Constitution as part of the preparations for the new Council in May 2023.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council:

a)    The adoption of the refreshed Constitution for New Forest District Council, for implementation with effect from Friday 5 May 2023.

b)    To delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer, to make further minor editing changes, corrections, and updates to the document prior to publication.

That Cabinet approve:

c)    The Delegation of Executive functions as set out in the proposed Constitution.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Leader’s.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Leader introduced the item before inviting the Service Manager – Democratic and Support Services to present the report to Cabinet, on the Constitution Refresh 2023, consisting of the proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution.

Cabinet was conscious of the Electoral Review of New Forest District Council and the subsequent changes to Councillor numbers and new Wards that this would generate from the May 2023 Local Elections. Members acknowledged the significant programme of work undertaken to create and implement the supporting governance arrangements and understood that the Constitution Refresh 2023 would provide a platform for the new Council to move forward from May 2023.

The updated format, based on the key components and all the necessary information required of a local authority Constitution, was made of seven constituent parts that would provide a clear governance framework to facilitate effective and accountable decision making.

Group Leaders were consulted on the scope of changes during Spring 2022.  Further detailed consultation with the political groups took place in February and March 2023, with the offer of a briefing made to non-aligned Members.

Members were supportive of the update and agreed that it would bring the Council’s Constitution in line with a modern governance framework.

Executive Management Team, Group Leaders, Cabinet Members and non-aligned Members