To appoint four members of Cabinet to the Shareholder Committee.

The Cabinet member for Environment introduced the report in Councillor Stoddart’s absence.  It was highlighted that the council exercises control over the local authority trading companies through appointing directors, being a shareholder and as a purchaser of services.   The cabinet member explained that new appointments are now needed due to the change in administration and these are proposed as Councillors Jonathan Lester, Carole Gandy, Graham Biggs and Peter Stoddart.  It was also recommended that future appointments to the committee will be delegated to the Leader to improve the process. 

Cabinet Members did not discuss the report.  

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  The appointments and process of future appointments were welcomed with the view it would encourage the companies to become more efficient and accountable.  However disappointment was expressed that future appointments will be made by the Leader and preference was expressed that it should remain with the Cabinet.  It was queried what representation there was on the board of the Cyber Centre.  In response to the queries it was noted that the representatives from the Council for the Cyber Centre are Ross Cook and Rachael Hart.  It was confirmed that Cabinet work collegiately together and decisions are fully discussed by Cabinet which will continue.

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)    Four named members of Cabinet are appointed to the Shareholder Committee; and

b)    That the terms of reference of the Shareholder Committee is changed so that future appointments are made by the Leader