Agenda item

Report of the Town Clerk, on behalf of the Post Implementation Governance Review Working Party (copy attached).

A report of the Town Clerk, on behalf of the Post Implementation Governance Review Working Party, explaining that a Working Party had been established to undertake a post-implementation review of the revised governance arrangements, after twelve months of their operation, to take stock of the new arrangements and how they were working, was considered.

The report sought comments on the governance arrangements introduced in March 2011 and the impact they may have had on the operation of the Licensing Committee. 

A discussion took place and Members made reference to the following areas to be considered by the Working Party:

·      The published data of attendance be made clearer to show the number of Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committees the Member was actually asked to attend and duly attended rather than the full number of Hearings held i.e. if a Member attended 6 Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committees the figures should show 6 out of 6. The Town Clerk explained that the concerns raised would be explored to provide a fairer way of publishing attendance data.

·      There was an opportunity for the Working Party to look at any overlap of work covered by other committees i.e. the Planning & Transportation, Port Health & Environmental Services and Licensing Committees to ensure that issues such as tables and chairs be covered by one committee for example.

·      A recommendation be made for the Chairman of the Licensing Committee to become an ex-officio Member of the Policy & Resources Committee as licensing is a major policy area which affects the City, workers and residents.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and that the following representations be made to the Working Party:-

(a)    The published data of attendance be made clearer to show the number of Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committees the Member was actually asked to attend and duly attended rather than the full number of Hearings held i.e. if a Member attended 6 Licensing (Hearing) Sub Committees the figures should show 6 out of 6.

(b)    Any overlap of work within other committees which is quasi-judicial or regulatory i.e. the Planning & Transportation, Port Health & Environmental Services and Licensing Committees be looked at to ensure that issues such as tables and chairs be covered by one committee.

(c)    The Chairman of the Licensing Committee should become an ex-officio Member of the Policy & Resources Committee as licensing is a major policy area which affects the City, workers and residents.