The Democratic Services Manager (DSM) presented a proposed Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Democratic Services Committee for consideration and further development.

The DSM explained that reports such as the Independent Remuneration Panel Wales Draft Annual Report and the Committee’s own Annual Report will be regular items for the Committee toconsider each year. Similarly with Member Development updates. It was a matter for Members to consider whether there were any other items they wished to add to their FWP considering the role and remit of the Committee, acknowledging that it was flexible and could be amended throughout the year.

The Chair highlighted the need for guidance to Members on good practice for attending remote meetings.

Members queried whether the Constitution is reviewed annually or every term.

The DSM indicated that the Constitution was not usually subject to an annual review. It was reviewed in 2022 because the new model came out across Wales, and as a result the Constitution was changed as a whole. Changes and clarifications are made on occasion though, where needed. Discussions were already planned with Group Leaders about some potential changes.

The Chair indicated that he would wish to allow the Constitution time to bed in, but Members were free to write to him if they felt it should be re-visited.

Members indicated that they would welcome a review and suggested there were items that should have been included in the Constitution and needed to be locked at, especially in respect of the duration of meetings, for example. It was noted that other Local Authorities have clauses which address the issue. He thought the October meeting would be an opportune moment to carry out a review.

Members also raised concern about the implications of any new UK government proposals relating to Electoral Reform (e.g., photo ID for voting) and whether those needed to be considered by the committee in due course.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Democratic Services Committee will introduce a Forward Work Programme to guide its deliberations.

2. In addition to the items outlined in Appendix A of the report, members agreed to add the following items:

·        That consideration be given to introducing a Good Practice Protocol for Attending Meetings Remotely.

·        To consider whether the Committee could receive an annual report (at its October meeting) on the workings of the Constitution; and,

·        That consideration be given to the implications of any new UK government proposals such as Electoral Reform to determine how the Authority is responding to this.