To elect a Chairman/woman for the Constitution Working Party for the remainder of the 2018/19 Municipal Year.

Councillor Thomas (D) was elected Chairman of the Working Party for the remainder of the 2018/29 Municipal Year.

To receive an apologies for absence, including notifications if any changes to the membership of the Working Party;  and introduce John Williams, Project Manager and Consultant, Association of Electoral Administrators.

An apology for absence was received from Elected Mayor Oliver (represented by Councillor Haddock) and Councillor Morey. 

The Chairman introduced John Williams, Association of Electoral Administrators Consultant, who was supporting the Council with its Community Governance Review.

To note the Working Party’s terms of reference as set out below:

To oversee impartially and objectively the implementation of the Community Governance Review and to report back to Full Council with recommendations based on the responses to the consultation.

The Working Party noted its terms of reference as set by Council.

To receive a briefing from John Williams on Community Governance Reviews.

At the invitation of the Chairman, John Williams gave a presentation on Community Governance Reviews.  It was noted Community Governance Reviews were introduced under the Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and gave principle councils responsibility for governance arrangements at a parish level, which included the creation of Town Councils.

During the presentation, Members queried the ability of the Council to direct Town Councils to deliver services which it intended to cease due to financial constraints.  Members were advised that the Council could determine to cease services and request Town Councils to take them over, however, it would be for the Town Council to determine whether it wished to deliver them.  Members also discussed the arrangements for establishing Town Councils, including shadow arrangements and setting of initial precepts.  It was considered information on the establishment of Brixham Town Council and best practice from other authorities would assist the Working Party.  Therefore, it was resolved (unanimously):

In order to assist the Working Party in reviewing the Terms of Reference for Torbay’s Community Governance Review, the Director of Corporate Services to provide a briefing on the arrangements for establishing Brixham Town Council and details of best practice from other principle councils for transferring of services to new and existing Town Councils.

To review and provide feedback on draft terms of reference for the Community Governance Review of Torbay.

At the request of the Chairman, consideration of this item was deferred to enable the Working Party to receive the further information as outlined in Minute 4 above.

To review and provide feedback on draft Communication and Consultation Plan for Torbay’s Community Governance Review.

At the request of the Chairman, consideration of this item was deferred to enable the Working Party to receive the further information as outlined in Minute 4 above.