URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=315

Decision Maker: Community Services and Licensing Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To review the outside bodies in which Community Services and Licensing Committee and Environment Committee are responsible to appoint representation to by establishing a Task and Finish Group.

Content: The Senior Democratic Services and Elections Officer (Electoral Services) introduced the report and highlighted the following key points: ·         The Committee and Environment Committee had delegation from the constitution to appoint members to Outside Bodies. ·         The last review of Outside Bodies was undertaken in 2016/17, it was considered good practice to review these regularly, particularly as the Council prepared for Local Government Reorganisation. This would ensure robust governance arrangements and that the current reporting mechanisms were effective. ·         Council had a strong commitment to partnership working and the review would provide a deeper understanding and knowledge of these organisations. ·         Draft terms of reference at Appendix A under ‘functions’ detailed the Task and Finish Groups remit. ·         A cross-party membership of six Members was sought from Group Leaders, and a full complement of six has been nominated. ·         If Committee approved the report, any recommendations from the Task and Finish Group would be reported to Community Services and Licensing and Environment Committees in April/March 2026. ·         Any proposed changes to Council appointments would be considered at the April 2026 Council meeting. Furthermore, any constitutional amendments would first be reviewed by the Constitution Working Group before being recommended to Council in April 2026.    Councillor Boyle asked a question relating to paragraphs 2.3.7 and 2.3.8. The Senior Democratic Services and Elections Officer (Electoral Services) advised that it would be for the Task and Finish Group to consider a process for identifying any new Outside Bodies and they would be able to make recommendations for the Committee to consider.   Proposed by Councillor Aldam, seconded by Councillor Dahdouh.   Councillor Hamilton advised that the review was important, noting that Outside Bodies represented an important part of community life and that the Council was committed to supporting them.   The Chair, Councillor Brown, echoed Councillor Hamilton’s comments, drawing on his own experiences on Outside Bodies.   Councillor Aldam thanked the Officer for the report and agreed with Councillor Hamilton’s comments. She explained that the landscape of public interest and community championship had changed, and the review would allow for this to be reflected while strengthening relationships between the Council and Outside Bodies.   RESOLVED a)    To establish a cross-party Task and Finish Group to review the Council's Outside Bodies; b)    Approve the draft Terms of Reference as set out in Appendix A; and c)    Agree that recommendations from the Task and Finish Group are reported to Community Services and Licensing Committee and Environment Committee.  

Date of Decision: September 25, 2025