Issue - meetings

The Council considered the recommendation of the Executive in respect of the motion submitted by Councillor Raja in support of the work of the Planning Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  It was noted that the Executive had not been supportive of Councillor Raja’s motion and had recommended an amended motion as follows:

“In the past year, the need for training to support Members of all parties who serve on all committees has been highlighted by the nature of remote working. This Council agrees that in respect of officer time, training and resources, all committees of the Council should be supported properly and expresses its appreciation that training and support for committee chairs has already been put in train by this administration.”

The recommendation by the Executive was agreed nem con.

RESOLVED

That the Motion, as amended by the Executive, be supported.

Reporting Person – Corporate Leadership Team

At its meeting on 8 April 2021, the Council referred the following Notice of Motion to the Executive.

Councillor M Raja

“In the past year, members of the Planning Committee have worked diligently, and under great pressure, in upholding Woking planning policy and responding to residents’ views and concerns.

Similarly, over the past few years, the task group members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee have produced important work in leading the effort to review council practices in the face of strong opposition and denial; and eventually had their concerns vindicated by the report from the external investigation.

Given the exemplary work of both the Planning and O&S Committee in the past year, this council commends and thanks them for their commitment to democracy and their service to the residents of Woking and calls for providing the right support to these committees as and when needed.”

Councillor Raja spoke in support of the Motion.  Following a question regarding Dr Edila’s recommendations following her independent investigation into the Woking Football Club and associated developments, the Leader confirmed that an update, which would include the recommended appointment of a part-time Scrutiny Officer, would be received at Council on 29 July 2021.  The Leader commended the work of all the Council’s Committees and various working groups over the past year.  The Executive was not supportive of Cllr Raja’s Motion and agreed an amended Motion to read as follows:

“In the past year, the need for training to support Members of all parties who serve on all committees has been highlighted by the nature of remote working.  This Council agrees that in respect of officer time, training and resources, all committees of the Council should be supported properly and expresses its appreciation that training and support for committee chairs has already been put in train by this administration.”

RECOMMENDED to Council

That the Motion, as amended by the Executive, be supported.