Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SERVICES MANAGER

To seek approval of a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for the Civic Year 2024/25.

RESOLVED: That the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25, as attached as Appendix A, was approvedwith the exception of the Council Meeting of the 17 April 2025, the date for which was to be confirmed.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for 2024/25.

Audio Recording – 1 hour 38 minutes 38 seconds

The Chair invited the Leader of the Council to move the report in respect of the Programme of Ordinary Meetings of the Council for the Civic Year 2024-25.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Ruth Brown

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

·       Councillor Claire Strong

In response to questions the Committee, Member and Scrutiny Manager stated that:

·       The April 2025 Council meeting was scheduled for the Thursday before Easter. However, this date could be revised following approval of the Calendar of Meetings.

·       The Council meeting date in April had historically been scheduled to avoid the May elections, and to avoid being too close to the February Budget setting Council meeting. The date in April also allowed for any Constitutional amendments to be brought ahead of a new Civic Year.

·       The date could be reviewed following consultation with the Group Leaders.

There was some concern expressed regarding ratifying the Calendar of Meetings with the inclusion of the current Council meeting date in April. Therefore, it was suggested by the Democratic Services Manager that the programme be approved with the exception of the Council meeting date in April 2025.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed the amended recommendation and Councillor Ruth Brown seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25, as attached as Appendix A, were approvedwith the exception of the Council Meeting of the 17 April 2025.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Members to agree a programme of ordinary meetings of the Council for 2024/25.