Members considered a motion in relation to the future governance arrangements of the Council, notice of which was given in accordance with Standing Order A14.

It was proposed by Councillor Thomas (D) and seconded by Councillor Morey:

Whilst recognising that the current mayoral system of governance cannot be changed until 2019, there is a ground swell of opinion that the Council should review its current mayoral system of governance, from both the community and a number of elected members on the Council.  The referendum can only specify one alternative system of governance (either a move to a Leader and Cabinet or a move to a Committee system).  This motion is presented at an early stage to determine that a referendum should be held and to enable full consultation as to which alternative system should be included in the referendum, with a view to holding a referendum to coincide with the Police and Crime Commissioner Election in 2016.  Holding the referendum on the same date as the Police and Crime Commissioner Election will save money and lead to a higher turnout.

Therefore, this Council resolves:

(i)            That the holding of a referendum on the Council’s governance arrangements be approved and that the Council’s Returning Officer be requested to seek to combine this with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in 2016.  The matter of timings to return to Council for a decision if it is not possible to combine with the PCC election.

(ii)          That the Assistant Director (Corporate and Business Services) undertake a public consultation on the different types of governance, in consultation with the Mayor and Group Leaders, as to the form and content of the consultation.

(iii)         That the Assistant Director (Corporate and Business Services) provides a full report to Council in September 2015 on the different forms of governance, their operation elsewhere and the outcome of the consultation exercise (referred to in (ii) above) to enable the Council to determine which form of governance will be included in the referendum.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor King and seconded by Councillor Excell (shown in bold text):

Whilst recognising that the current mayoral system of governance cannot be changed until 2019, there is a ground swell of opinion that the Council should review its current mayoral system of governance from both the community and a number of elected members of the Council.

We also need to take into account:

·         the new political landscape and the Government's Policy for greater powers to larger authorities with elected mayors;

·         the current work of the Mayor and his Executive in consultation with counterparts across Devon and Cornwall; and

·         further guidance from central government.

The referendum can only specify one alternative system of governance (either a move to a leader and cabinet or a move to a committee system from the current elected mayor system).  This motion is presented at an early stage to determine that a referendum should be held and to enable full consultation as to which alternative system should be included in the referendum, with a view to holding a referendum to coincide with the Police and Crime Commissioner Election in 2016.  Holding the referendum on the same date as the Police and Crime Commissioner Election will save money and lead to a higher turnout.

Therefore, this Council resolves:

(i)         that the holding of a referendum on the Council’s governance arrangements be approved and that the Council’s Returning Officer be requested to seek to combine this with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in 2016.  The matter of timings to return to Council for a decision if it is not possible to combine with the PCC election, given the need for the Mayor and his Executive to explore the issues identified above;

(ii)        that the Assistant Director (Corporate and Business Services) undertake a public consultation on the different types of governance, in consultation with the Mayor and Group Leaders, as to the form and content of the consultation; and

(iii)       that the Assistant Director (Corporate and Business Services) provides a full an interim report to Council in September 2015 on the different forms of governance, their operation elsewhere and the outcome of the consultation exercise (referred to in (ii) above) to enable the Council to determine which form of governance will be included in progress together with a firm date for Council to sign off the arrangements for the referendum.

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4, a recorded vote was taken on the amendment. The voting was taken by roll call as follows: For: the Mayor, Councillors Amil, Excell, Haddock, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris, Parrott and Stubley (11); Against:  Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Robson, Stockman, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (20); Abstain: Councillors Brooks and Hill (2); and Absent: Councillors Kingscote, Pentney, Stringer and Stocks (4).  Therefore, the amendment was declared lost. 

In accordance with Standing Order A19.4, a recorded vote was then taken on the original motion.  The voting was taken by roll call as follows: For: Councillors Barnby, Bent, Bye, Carter, Cunningham, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Lewis, Morey, O’Dwyer, Parrott, Robson, Stockman, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard, Tyerman and Winfield (21); Abstain: the Mayor, Councillors Amil, Brooks, Excell, Haddock, Hill, King, Lang, Manning, Mills, Morris and Stubley (12); and Absent: Councillors Kingscote, Pentney, Stringer and Stocks (4).  Therefore, the motion was declared carried.