URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1045

Decision Maker: Corporate Director & Monitoring Officer

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To grant all Members a dispensation to enable full debate and voting on Local Government Reorganisation agenda items at both Cabinet and Council on 7th November 2025. Local Government Reorganisation represents a significant potential change to the structure of local government in two tier areas which the possible abolition of Fenland District Council in March 2028.   Fenland District Council Members are also Members of other local authorities and groups such as Cambridgeshire County Council and Town and Parish Councils whereby LGR may have been discussed and voted on.   This debate affects the future of the structure of local government and the representation and delivery of services to communities, therefore it is felt that all Members should feel able to express their views in public to the fullest extent to support the community and Council debate on this matter.   This particularly affects Cabinet Members whereby they will participate in Council prior to taking the decision in regards which option to submit to government on behalf of FDC at the Cabinet meeting thereafter. To allow Cabinet Members to fully debate and express their views within the Council meeting, it is important to grant them a dispensation to enable them to speak freely without the restriction of the perception of them being biased or predetermined. To not grant the dispensation which may prevent the full ability of Members to engage in the debate which is not acceptable given the importance of the subject matter.  

Date of Decision: November 7, 2025