To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Councillor Ashby abstained from voting on the Minutes as he had sent his apologies for this meeting.

To receive apologies for absence. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hambidge and Monument.

Councillor Duigan was in attendance as substitute.

The duties to register, disclose and not to participate for the entire consideration of the matter, in respect of any matter in which a Member has a disclosable pecuniary interest are set out in Chapter 7 of the Localism Act 2011.  Members are also required to withdraw from the meeting room as stated in the Standing Orders of this Council.

None declared.

None.

To note the names of any non-Members who wish to address the meeting.

Councillors Webb, Hewett, Morton, Birt and Wilkinson

Sarah Barsby, the Assistant Director for People & Governance informed Members that the first Officer Working Group would be held later in the month to consider the Member Induction Plan.  A draft project plan had been created and the first stage would be focusing on promoting the opportunities for people to stand as a candidate in the next Election.

A written report would be provided at the next meeting to highlight progress.

The Chairman reminded Members that the next General Purposes Committee meeting was being held on 9 February and not the 2 February 2023 as originally planned.

To note that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, 9 February 2023 at 10am in the Anglia Room.

The arrangements for the next meeting on Thursday, 9 February 2023 at 10am in the Anglia Room were noted.

To consider passing the following resolution:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 & 2 of Schedule 12A to the Act.”

Part B – Item from which the press and the public are excluded

Following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 & 2 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

Report of Paul Hewett, Executive Member for Property, Projects and Procurement.

Councillor Paul Hewett, the Executive Member for Property, Projects & Procurement introduced the report.

A review of the Legal Services Team was necessary due to changes in resources and structure. 

Riana Rudland, the Assistant Director for Contracts & Operations provided Members with a detailed overview of the report.

It was noted that staff effected had agreed to the consultation exercise over the Christmas period between 1 December 2022 and 3 January 2023.

A number of questions were asked and a concern was raised about some of the aspects of the budget.

The recommendation was proposed and seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED that the proposed changes as set out in Section 2 of the report be approved and delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director for Contracts and Operations to implement. 

Report of Alison Webb, Executive Member for Health and Communities.

Councillor Webb, the Executive Member for Health & Communities introduced the report and thanked the Chairman for accommodating the request to hold this additional meeting.

Sam Armitage, the Community Services Manager then provided Members with a detailed overview of the report and highlighted the proposed changes.  

A number of questions were asked.

The recommendation was proposed and seconded, and it was:

RESOLVED that the proposed changes as set out in Section 2.1 of the report be approved and delegated authority be given to the Community Services Manager to implement the said changes.