Corporate Governance notes from the meeting of 7th November 2006 at 8.00pm in ‘Barum House, The Square, Barnstaple

PRESENT:   

Councillor A Windsor, I Roome, R Hawes and Mrs M Eastaugh.

Also in attendance; Mrs S Haywood (Mayor Ex Officio)

APOLOGIES  

Apologies were received from Councillor J Phillips.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

None

MINUTES 

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on  17th October 2006 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

                                                                                                                        (NC)

GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER

Members received an analysis of the Government's White Paper on "Stronger Communities" in which it was noted that although there were some radical proposals for the future of local government at principal authority level, the proposals for town and parish councils comprised:-

The power of well being given to Quality Parish Councils

The facility to change the name of council from "parish" or "town" to one that more accurately reflected the neighbourhood

The ability to enter into voluntary charters with principal authorities on the level and standards of local service provision

The removal of the requirements of Best Value from town and parish councils

The facility to create bye-laws at local level without reference to the Secretary of State.

 A copy of the analysis, together with NALC analysis is attached to these minutes.

The Committee expressed its regret that, despite all the assurances and positive messages of the past few months, there had been little change for town and parish councils, and the devolution of powers to the local level had been completely ignored.  Members felt that whilst any partnership or local delivery of services relied on discretionary decisions and devolution from principal authorities there would be little opportunity for town and parish councils to improve the quality of life for local residents.

It was noted that the Lyons Report is due in December 2006, and that NALC had organised a Seminar on Shaping Communities in February 2007.

RESOLVED:

 1. That the report on the White Paper be received and noted

                                                                                                                        (NC)

2. That the Committee deeply regrets the loss of opportunity for town and parish councils to provide local services.

(NC)

NALC SHAPING COMMUNITIES SEMINAR  FEBRUARY 2007

Details were received from NALC of the Larger Councils Seminar, "Shaping Communities" which would focus on the effects of the Lyons Report and the White Paper for larger town and parish councils.   Cllrs Roome and Phillips having attended the previous Larger Councils Seminar, it was

RESOLVED:  That Finance & General Purposes Committee be asked to approve that Cllr Windsor and the Town Clerk attend the Seminar on behalf of the Town Council.

                                                                                                                        (NC)

REPORT ON GOVERNANCE ISSUES FROM SLCC CONFERENCE

Members were given a verbal report by the Town Clerk on various governance issues which had been raised at the recent SLCC Conference in Plymouth.  Amongst the key issues was that, following the removal of the Best Value requirement from town and parish councils, an alternative scrutiny/evaluation system was being considered by central government.  This may include peer review, Idea review or a form of CPA (Comprehensive Performance Appraisal) which is used by principal authorities. 

RESOLVED:  That the report be received and noted

                                                                                                                        (NC)

Meeting closed at 8.50 p.m.