URL: https://rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4456

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Chairman of the Constitution Working Group, Cllr A Lion, presented a report on the revision of Articles 14 and 17 within the Constitution.   Cllr A Lion reported that this matter was considered by the Constitution Working Group at its meeting on 31 March 2026. The proposed changes ensured that both the Decision Making & Access to Information Rules were compliant with the relevant legislation and regulatory framework applied to the Council’s governance arrangements. The Group proposed a small number of changes – mainly typographical – but they did propose that Service Directors should attend Scrutiny meetings if required, as this was not explicitly stated in the original draft.   Cllr A Lion highlighted that the report outlined the changes to both Articles in more detail. But, in Article 14, attention was drawn to the proposal for the only financial requirement for a Key Decision to be the £250,000 limit, removing the previous limit of £100,000 of unbudgeted expenditure or savings. It was felt that this would simplify the current arrangements and would align the Council with other Essex authorities.   Resolved:   (1)        That the revised Article 14 (Decision Making) of the Constitution be approved;   (2)        That the revised Article 17 (Access to Information) of the Constitution be approved; and   (3)        That delegated authority be granted to the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution accordingly, together with any consequential amendments required to give effect to the above.

Date of Decision: April 9, 2026