Agenda item

To consider the draft report of the Director (Policy and Governance).

Councillor Alistair Bradley Executive Leader, advised that the first meeting of the Electoral Review of Chorley Council Committee took place on 7 March 2018.  At that meeting, the committee considered evidence that is to be presented as part of the council’s submission to the LGBCE.

The LGBCE will re-draw ward boundaries so that they meet their statutory criteria. The council will have the opportunity to put forward its ideas in two phases of public consultation.

Councillor Alan Cullens, Leader of the Conservative Group, proposed an amendment, that Chorley Council should comprise of 39 councillors and move to all out elections.  This would save the council a considerable sum of money.  Councillor Martin Boardman, Shadow Executive Member (Resources) seconded the amendment. 

The proposal was put to the vote and LOST. 

Members considered the disadvantages to all out elections, particularly the political instability this could lead to.  Having elections by thirds enabled change to be more gradual and for councillors to build experience on each of the committees.  This also acted as a buffer for populism.

Members discussed the importance of having enough councillors to discharge the functions of the council, and to hold the Executive to account. 

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed an amendment to the council size submission document. On page 3 under the ‘Proposal’ heading there is a brief summary of the approach taken to develop and agree the council size proposal.  The Council’s submission has been developed by a cross party committee of 9 councillors. A meeting of the Electoral Review of Chorley Council Committee took place on the 7 March 2018, following a review of evidence, a positive discussion and due consideration the committee unanimously agreed that the  council size could be reduced from 47 to be 42 members with the frequency of elections continuing by thirds.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Executive Leader proposed, Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member for Resources, seconded the amended substantive motion, the DECISION

To approve the amended council submission on the future size and electoral cycle of Chorley Council, as agreed unanimously at the Electoral Review of Chorley Council Committee, that Chorley Council should –

•           comprise of 42 councillors, and

•           continue to undertake its elections by thirds