Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Director of Scrutiny and Democratic Services attached.

Members received a report of the Assistant Director of Scrutiny and Democratic Services which informed of decisions taken using urgency powers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the pandemic all decision-making meetings were cancelled between March and May 2020. Decisions were therefore taken using the urgent decision procedure in accordance with section 35 of the Council’s constitution, which permits decisions to be made by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader or relevant Cabinet Member.

The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee was also consulted within the process and members were notified of decisions taken through a weekly update email.

In response to a query from Councillor Damian Bretherton, members were informed that the take-up of business grants was currently at 93%.

Councillor Colin Clark queried why the adoption of the Council’s tree policy had been taken as a delegated decision, as opposed to an urgent decision. Commitment to responding to Councillor Clark by email was provided.   

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington, and subsequently

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the report be noted.