Issue - meetings

To consider the report on Council Procedure Rules: time permitted for questions to the executive and committee Chairs.

Councillor Driscoll, as Chair of the Task and Finish Group, introduced the report and particularly thanked Councillor Barker for her contribution through her insight into the Essex County Council systems.

Members spoke in support of the proposed amendment to Rule 2.4, highlighting the benefits of having written questions and an extended time period of 30 minutes for questions. There was some discussion about the logistics of publishing written answers to questions alongside the Agenda on the website. The view was expressed that this would bring more order, organisation and clarity to the meeting and would enhance the tone.

The Assistant Director - Corporate Services confirmed that, if approved, the recommendation would be taken forward to Council.

The Democratic Services Manager said that the trial period as stated would be for two Council Meetings but that questions would not be permitted at Annual Council or budget setting meetings.

Councillor Khan thanked the Democratic Services Manager and his team for the input.

Councillor Driscoll proposed that the Committee recommends to Council that it amend Rule 2.4 of the Council Procedure Rules as set out in Appendix 1 to this report on a trial basis.

Councillor Isham seconded the motion. There was no dissent.

RESOLVED that the Committee recommends to Council that it amend Rule 2.4 of the Council Procedure Rules as set out in Appendix 1 to this report on a trial basis.

The meeting closed at 8.03 pm.