Agenda item

Political Proportionality

To determine the political proportionality of the registered political groups on the council and to allocate seats on committees in accordance with that proportionality in accordance with the provisions of Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989

Political Proportionality

Council was asked to determine the political proportionality of the registered political groups on the council and to allocate seats on committees in accordance with that proportionality in accordance with the provisions of Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Councillor Wearmouth introduced the report. Discussion with Group Leaders had indicated a preference for Method 1 detailed in the report. Finalisation of the appointments and the pool places would be done in consultation with Group Leaders. If agreement could not be reached on any particular issues then Council would have to decide.  The recommendations were moved by the Leader, including the adoption of Method 1 for the allocation of places to Committees, which was seconded by Councillor Reid.

Councillor Hill referred to the pool positions and the need to identify a way of resolving a dispute. Democratic Services had advised that in such cases it would be the largest Group which would take priority. Councillor Wearmouth disagreed that this had been the advice, which had in fact said that hopefully the Groups would be able to reach an agreement. However, ultimately, it was for full Council to decide the places if the Groups could not reach agreement.  Councillor Reid commented that he was sure Group Leaders between them could reach consensus.  Councillor Kennedy concurred with this and sought assurance that this was the method to be used going forward as the framework for calculating any future changes.  Councillor Wearmouth replied that this could not be agreed as it would be binding a future Council.

Councillor Hill asked for an update on the proposed Grievance Committee. The MO advised that this had not been set up yet. The Constitution Working Group had asked officers to look at a couple of issues in more detail and an update would be provided to them at the next meeting due to take place soon. Then recommendations would come to Council to agree.

On this point, Councillor Dickinson commented that some of the issues which had been raised, such as around staff consultation, were urgent and he did not feel it was appropriate for members to still be waiting for a response over a month later.  

RESOLVED that:-

(a)      Council notes that immediately following the Hexham East By-election and notified changes to the Independent Group, the total number of councillors in each political group on the County Council is Conservative 33, Labour 21, Independent 6, Liberal Democrat 4, Green 2 and 1 un-grouped independent member;

(b)      Council confirms that the political proportionality of the Groups is as follows: Conservative 49.25%, Labour 31.34%, Independent 8.96%, Liberal Democrat 5.97%, Green 2.99% and un-grouped 1.49%;

(c)      Council approves the provisions of Appendix 1 which sets out the proportional allocation of places on committees in accordance with the proportionality approved above;

(d)      Council agrees Method 1 for allocation of seats to Northumberland County principal/decision making Committees attached as Appendix 2 to the report;

(e)      Council notes Appendix 4 attached to the report which shows group allocations to advisory/non-decision-making committees (based on both methods) and agrees Method 1 for the allocation of seats to these bodies; and

(f)       Council agrees that Group Leaders will appoint members to fill the committee places allocated to their respective Groups, and that Group Leaders will provide a finalised list of members for each committee (in line with their respective allocations) to the Head of Democratic Services to fill the allocated positions.