To consider the submitted report from the Chief Executive on future options for local government reorganisation.

Further to the Council’s decision on 21 June 2018, Members considered the submitted report on the outcome of the Chief Executive’s review of local government reorganisation options.  It was noted the Chief Executive obtained the views of relevant authorities across Devon as to their position in respect of any proposed local government re-organisation and that there was no desire from those authorities for any form of reorganisation either currently or in the foreseeable future.  Therefore, the Chief Executive had undertaken a review of the business cases undertaken by Local Partnerships in 2017 and recommended the Council consider the possible creation of Town Councils to raise revenue in light of the Council’s financial position.

Elected Mayor Oliver proposed and Councillor Mills seconded a motion, which was determined by recorded vote. The voting was taken by roll call as follows: For: Elected Mayor Oliver, Councillors Amil, Carter, Darling (M), Darling (S), Doggett, Ellery, Excell, Haddock, Manning, Mills, Morey, Pentney, Sanders, Stockman and Stocks (16); Against: Councillors Barnby, Brooks, Bye, Hill, Kingscote, Lewis (B), Lewis (C), Morris, O’Dwyer, Robson, Stubley, Sykes, Thomas (D), Thomas (J), Tolchard and Tyerman (16);  and Absent: Councillors Bent, King, Long, Parrot and Winfield (5).  Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order A19.2, the Chairman used his casting vote, voted for the motion and declared it carried, as set out below:

(i)         that Council instructs the Director of Corporate Services to undertake a Community Governance Review with a view to considering the principle of three Town Councils across the entirety of Torbay;

(ii)        that the cost of additional resources to undertake the community governance review of £50,000, be funded from the Council’s Revenue Contingency Budget;

(iii)       that a Community Governance Review Working Party be established, with the terms of reference 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 to be created with the following membership: the Elected Mayor, and 8 additional members, to be politically balanced (5 Conservative, 2 Liberal Democrat and 1 Independent Group);

(iv)      that Council notes that it needs to continue to deliver and expand its current Transformation programme at pace, recognising that significant savings are required and that future change is inevitable. That Council reflects upon the severe ramifications of not achieving sufficient savings and works together to review options for raising additional income through Council Tax, above that envisaged within the current Medium term Resource Plan, irrespective of whether it decides to carry out a Community Governance Review.

During the debate, a procedural motion (in accordance with Standing Order A16.11(a)(iv)) to move to the vote was proposed by Councillor Tyerman and seconded by Councillor Thomas (D).  The Chairman overruled the motion as the debate was drawing to a close.