To approve changes to the procedure for questions at scrutiny committees and Cabinet as recommended by Audit and Governance Committee.

Council considered a report by the solicitor to the council regarding the procedure for public and member questions at scrutiny committees and Cabinet. The correction supplement was noted.

Councillor Shaw proposed and Councillor Bolderson seconded the recommendation in the report.

Amendment – Proposed by Councillor Bob Matthews and seconded by Councillor Bernard Hunt – That the constitution at section 4.4.11 (part c) in the cabinet rules – is amended to include group leaders being able to ask questions of the relevant cabinet member(s) at cabinet meetings.

Councillor Hunt proposed the amendment and explained that it was democratic and essential that group leaders were able to ask questions of cabinet members at meetings of the cabinet.

In the debate concerning the amendment it was acknowledged that if it was approved it could lead to a lot of questions being raised at cabinet however it was considered that it would be more democratic and accountable.

Councillor Jim Kenyon seconded the amendment and explained that good chairmanship would ensure democracy and transparency.

Councillor Shaw replied to the debate on the amendment and explained that he had sympathy with the amendment but such proposals should be considered at the audit and governance committee before determination at full Council.

The amendment was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED:

That the constitution at section 4.4.11 (part c) in the cabinet rules – is amended to include group leaders being able to ask questions of the relevant cabinet member(s) at cabinet meetings.

The substantive motion, as amended above was put to the vote and carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED:That: