Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

To inform the Council of any occasions over the past year where provisions relating to "Special Urgency" have been used in connection with the publication of an intention to make a Key Decision, as required by legislation.

RESOLVED: That Council noted the report.

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with Regulation 19 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (“the Regulations”).

Audio recording – 52 minutes 3 seconds

N.B Councillor Nigel Mason left the Chamber at 20:28 and returned at 20:29.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Daniel Allen presented the report ‘Annual Report on Cases of Special Urgency’ and highlighted that:

·       There had been two instances where special urgency was required in 2023-24.

·       At the Cabinet meeting of the 27 June 2023, the Local Authority Housing Fund, round 2 scheme, was considered as a matter of urgency as a decision was required by the 5 July 2023.

·       At the Cabinet Sub Committee (Local Authority Trading Companies Shareholder) meeting of the 19 March 2024 a Part 2 decision was required on the initiation of operations on the Broadwater Hundred Property Management Ltd, regarding Harkness Court, and the approval of a financial loan. Any delay on the approval of loan would have caused an increase in the project costs.

·       In both instances the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was informed or agreed to the urgency, as required by the Constitution.

Councillor Clare Billing, as Chair, proposed and Councillor Daniel Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Council noted the report.

REASON FOR DECISION: To comply with Regulation 19 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (“the Regulations”).