Issue - meetings

Appointment of Committees 2025/26

Purpose

This report sets out those matters reserved to Council at its Annual Meeting:

To make appointments to Committees for the Civic Year 2025/26

To make appointments to the positions of the Chair and Vice-Chair of Committees for the Civic Year 2025/26.

Recommendations

That Full Council resolves to:

1. DETERMINE that, in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (“the Act”), the Council shall continue to apply the political balance provisions under the Act to committees as shown in Annex A;

2. APPOINT Councillors to serve on the Council’s Committees and working groups as set out in Annex B for a term of office expiring at the next Annual Meeting of the Council;

3. APPOINT Chairs and Vice-Chairs for the Council’s Committees and working groups as shown in Annex B;

4. NOTE the arrangements for substitutions set out in part 4 of the report.

Annex B to be circulated separately.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the annual report on political balance and committee appointments.

The report set out those matters reserved to Council at its Annual Meeting:

To make appointments to Committees for the Civic Year 2025/26.
To make appointments to the positions of Chair and Vice Chair of Committees for the Civic Year 2025/26.

A change in political balance following a recent by-election was noted, increasing the number of Conservative members from 9 to 10. Committee allocations were adjusted accordingly, with revised seat distributions and nominations.

The report also confirmed committee chair and vice-chair appointments and the continuation of existing substitution arrangements. Councillor Evemy moved the recommendations as set out in the report, and the Chair invited comments or questions

On behalf of the Conservative Group, Councillor Tom Stowe thanked the Chair and congratulated Councillor Evemy on his election as Leader of the Council, highlighting his experience and knowledge. The Group expressed hope for steady leadership through upcoming challenges and confirmed their intention to hold the administration to account while offering constructive alternatives.

The importance of committee work was emphasised, particularly given ongoing financial pressures, uncertainties around local government reorganisation, and national policy changes.

The dedication of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its Chair, Councillor Gina Bloomfield, was praised, along with a call for continued support for the Committee.

Continuity on the Planning and Audit & Governance Committees was welcomed, with recognition of members’ valuable experience.

Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson was introduced as the newest Conservative member, noted for strong local representation.

Regarding devolution and local government reorganisation, a call was made for all members to work collaboratively to ensure an effective transition and improved governance.

The Conservative Group thanked the former Vice Chair and outgoing member for their valued contributions. They welcomed new members and noted the apolitical nature and importance of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s work. The Group also welcomed the new Vice-Chair of the committee.

Additionally, the Conservative Group expressed gratitude to the former Leader, Councillor Joe Harris, for his effective leadership and acknowledged the importance of cross-party cooperation.

There were no further comments or questions.

Councillor Mike Evemy proposed the nominations which were seconded by Councillor Tom Stowe .

The recommendations were put to a vote and agreed by Council.

Voting Record:

25 For, 0 Against, 0Abstain

Councillors David Fowles, Joe Harris, Nigel Robbins and Ian Watson did not vote.

Issue - meetings

Appointment of Committees 2025/26

Meeting: 21/05/2025 - Council (Item 9)

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