To consider the Council’s submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on Council size.
Minutes:
Further to Item No.18 of the meeting of the
Council held on 29th July 2015 and in conjunction with a report by
the Managing Director (a copy of which is appended in the Minute
Book) the Managing Director provided an update of the electoral
review of Huntingdonshire. The Council were reminded of the
background to the review, specifically in relation to the
discrepancies that existed in some wards with electoral imbalances.
Members noted that a
cross-party Working Group had been convened to consider the options
in relation to council size and had met on three occasions.
The Working Group had considered the magnitude of growth predicted in the District over the forthcoming years and the fact that the Councillors currently represented more electors than those in comparison authorities. The growth was likely to be greater in this area compared with many other authorities and it was noted that demands on Councillors time was likely to increase as a result.
In considering the options, Councillor P D Reeve indicated his concern with a potential move to whole Council elections and the Managing Director reminded Members of the parameters that had been established by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England in relation to retaining elections by thirds with a council size being devisable by three.
In noting that the draft submission had been considered by the Standards Committee, the Executive Leader, Councillor J D Ablewhite, moved and seconded by Councillor R B Howe and
RESOLVED
that the District Council’s submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England on a Council size of 52 be approved and the Managing Director, after consultation with the Chairman and Leader, be authorised to make any minor amendments to the submission.
Actions:15 Minutes
Supporting documents: