Eastleigh Borough Council Administration Committee Meeting

There were no declarations of interest in relation to items of business at this point on the agenda.

RESOLVED -

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the report (Agenda Item 5).

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee:

(1)  Considered the proposed fees and charges as set out in the report;

(2)  Approved the commencement of a 28 day consultation on the proposed fees and charges along with the notice to be advertised;

(3)  Delegated responsibility to consider any comments received from the consultation to the Head of Legal Services (Acting); and

(4)  Delegated the approval of the fees and charges, after considering any comments from the consultation, to the Head of Legal Services (Acting).

The Service Director Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) presented the report of the Democratic Services Manager (Agenda Item 6).

The Administration Committee passed on their well wishes to Councillor Baker.

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee APPROVED a suspension pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, of the six month Councillor attendance rule for Councillor George Baker.

The Service Director Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) presented the report of the Democratic Services Manager (Agenda Item 7),

The Administration Committee passed on their well wishes to Councillor Mann.

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee APPROVED a suspension pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, of the six month Councillor attendance rule for Councillor Darshan Mann.

The Service Director Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) presented the report of the Democratic Services Manager (Agenda Item 8).

There was some debate around councillor expenses, and how it is important that councillors feel able to claim expenses related to their role in the current political climate.

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee NOTED the allowances paid in 2023/2024.

The Service Director Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) presented the report (Agenda Item 9).

The Administration Committee recorded their thanks to Ms Elaine Burnell and Mr Chris Mardell for their support over the years, and welcomed Ms Stephanie Duczak and Mr William Goh to the role.

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee:

(1)  Considered the outcome of the panel interviews and the recommended appointment of two Independent Persons;

(2)  Recommended the appointment to Council of two Independent Persons; Ms Stephanie Duczak and Mr William Goh for a term of two and four years respectively;

(3)  Extended their appreciation and best wishes to Ms Elaine Burnell and Mr Chris Mardell for being the Council’s Independent Persons and for the support they provided the Monitoring Officer with Code of Conduct complaints; and

(4)  Recommended an amendment to the Council’s Constitution to allow the Administration Committee delegated authority to reappoint the Independent Person(s) or Independent (non-voting) Co-Opted Member(s) of Audit and Resources Committee for a term(s) of office of up to four years with the cumulative total terms of office not exceeding 10 years.

The Service Director Governance and Support (Monitoring Officer) presented the report (Agenda Item 10).

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee NOTED the report.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Chair read an update from the Electoral Services Manager regarding a change of polling station venue for ES3 (appended to minutes).

Councillor Parker Jones requested that communication goes out within the area to ensure people are aware ahead of any election.

RESOLVED –

That the Administration Committee NOTED the update.