Issue - meetings

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

Councillor Oliver, as Chair of the GAP Committee outlined the report and proposed that the recommendation be approved.

Councillor Driscoll seconded the motion. He said that he hoped that this would stop the aggravation that had taken place over the past two years.

Councillor Sell said that the current fifteen minutes limit for questions was inadequate, particularly when not all Cabinet members submitted reports. He said that he welcomed the initiative.

Councillor Khan said that the proposal would bring forward a dynamic, professional and accountable approach. He thanked Councillor Barker for her contribution to the Task and Finish Group and the Democratic Services team for their support.

The Chair said that, if approved, he would look to ensure that questions were being asked in Council, rather than just statements being made.

RESOLVED that Council amends Rule 2.4 of the Council Procedure Rules and adopt the protocol as set out in Appendix 1 to this report, subject to a trial period of two Full Council meetings.