Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk (copy attached)

Minutes:

The Committee considered a joint report of the Town Clerk, Comptroller and City Solicitor and Remembrancer submitted on behalf of the Aldermanic Eligibility Working Party. The report reviewed the criteria for eligibility to become an Alderman and proposed the introduction of an alternative pre-election qualification in addition to the magistracy based on the criteria applicable for Police and Crime Commissioners.

 

A revised version of the Bill for an Act of Common Council which addressed the issue of pending elections was laid round the table together with a draft resolution of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen.

 

The Chairman was heard in support of the proposal to introduce an alternative route in addition to preserving the magistracy. The Comptroller and City Solicitor referred to the need for the issue of pending elections to be addressed and explained the reason for amending Section 8 of the draft Bill in order to deal with this.

 

A Member referred to the qualifications for PCCs and the issue of convictions. He understood that the inclusion of juvenile convictions was to be reviewed by PCCs and this should therefore be borne in mind. The Chairman pointed out that any changes arising from a review of PCC qualifications would be addressed as and when they arose.

 

Members discussed the merits of defining the seriousness of offences and concluded that it would not be sensible to create a list of applicable offences.

 

RESOLVED: that:-

 

1.    the current pre-election qualification for Aldermanic candidates relating to the magistracy be retained and an alternative pre-election conditions similar to those imposed on candidates standing for election as Police & Crime Commissioners as proposed in Appendix C of the report be introduced, on the basis that candidates could choose to satisfy either criteria in order to qualify for election;

 

2.    the revised Bill for an Act of Common Council (a copy of which was laid round the table) be approved and, subject to the Bill being settled by the Recorder of London, it be submitted to the Court of Common Council for approval;

 

3.    the proposals outlined in the report for helping candidates to be better prepared for the application process to become a magistrate be endorsed and the production of guidance for candidates be approved (subject to it being seen by the Bench Chairman/Advisory Committee); and

 

4.    the views expressed about Members and the Livery informally identifying and encouraging individuals to stand for election as Aldermen be endorsed, with the job specification being reviewed and made publicly available.

 

Supporting documents: