Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk.

The Committee considered a report of the Town Clerk which set out the various amendments to Terms of Reference requested by Committees. It also set out the Policy and Resource’s Committee’s own Terms of Reference for review.

It was observed that the proposed changes to the Education Board’s Terms of Reference (Appendix A) could potentially lead to some confusion or conflict with the work undertaken by the Economic Development Office in relation to skills, which fell under the remit of the Policy and Resources Committee. Equally, there was a need to ensure clarity in relation to Gresham College and the Gresham (City Side) Committee’s responsibility in that area. Consequently, it was agreed that the Education Board should be asked to refine the wording slightly to resolve these concerns and re-submit the Terms of Reference in April.

With reference to the items associated with the Establishment and Finance Committees at Appendix B, the Deputy Chairman observed that the question of ex-officio memberships had arisen on several occasions in recent months. He suggested that it was, therefore, a matter which required a more considered view, noting that there would be benefit in reviewing the use of ex-officio appointments on committees across the piece to ensure that a consistent and appropriate approach was taken. Members agreed that this would be prudent, with a number also urging that some thought be given in this context to the size of committees.

Members noted that the recommendation from the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood & Queen’s Park Committee (Appendix E) had been withdrawn, to allow for consultation with the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen prior to any formal request being made.

The Deputy Chairman advised Members that the Freedom Applications Committee (Appendix F) had, informally, also proposed the addition of two Members, to be elected by the Court, to its composition. Pending formal consideration by that Committee, it was agreed that authority should be delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to consider any such proposal in time for submission to the Court in April.

RESOLVED: That:-

1.         No change be made to the composition and terms of reference of the Policy and Resources Committee (Appendix H).

2.         The changes to the quorum of the Education Board be approved, but that the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference be referred back for further consideration (Appendix A).

3.         Changes in relation to ex-officio appointments on the Finance and Establishment Committees be held in abeyance, pending a wider review in to ex-officio appointments to committees.

4.         The change to the Police Committee’s name to Police Authority Board be approved (Appendix C);

5.         The insertion of an additional clause to the Board of Governors of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s Terms of Reference, to reflect its responsibility for the promotion of equality and diversity throughout the School (Appendix D) be approved.

6.         The proposed additions to the Freedom Applications Committee’s terms of reference to reflect the current requirements and expectations associated with the Committee and its role be approved (Appendix F);

7.         Authority be delegated to the Town Clerk, in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to consider any change to the Freedom Application Committee’s composition.

8.         Additions to the Culture, Heritage & Libraries Committee’s Terms of Reference to capture the extent of its responsibilities more fully (Appendix G) be approved.

9.         The proposal to amend the composition of the Social Investment Board be endorsed.