Agenda Item No. 8

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Council: 27th April 2016

 

Report of the Monitoring Officer

 

Review of the Council's Constitution / Officer Delegations

Purpose of the Report

1. To inform Members of an amendment to the Council's Constitution made pursuant to delegated authority.

Recommendations

That Council note the amendment to Section 12 of the Constitution as set out in paragraph 4 below.

Reasons for the Recommendations

To address an inconsistency in the Constitution.

Background

2. Since the formal introduction of the Council's new Executive arrangements in May 2002, the Constitution has remained under review and will continue to be so on an ongoing basis. Under Section 2.4 of the Constitution, the Monitoring Officer has a duty to monitor and review the operation of the Constitution to ensure that the aims and principles contained therein are given full effect.
3. Section 2.6.2 of the Constitution provides for changes considered by the Monitoring Officer to be "required to be made to remove any inconsistency, ambiguity or typographical correction" to be made and then reported to the next Full Council meeting for information.

Relevant Issues and Options

4. In accordance with the above, the following amendment to the Constitution has been made:

• Section 12 - "Finance, Contracts and Legal Matters"

Reference in sub-paragraphs 12.4.2 and 12.4.3 to "£100,000" to be amended to "£75,000".

This is to accord with the contract threshold of £75,000 contained in the Contracts Procedure Rules (Section 17 of the Constitution).

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

5. None as a direct result of this report.

Sustainability and Climate Change Implications

6. None as a direct result of this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

7. The Council is required to comply with the Local Government Act 2000 and subordinate legislation in the drawing up and subsequent operation of the Constitution.

Crime and Disorder Implications

8. The Constitution has been updated to reflect current legislation and, where considered appropriate, the contents of the revised Model Constitution.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

9. None as a direct result of this report.

Corporate/Service Objectives

10. The Constitution is part of the framework supporting the Council's commitment to provide political leadership and active relationship and engagement.

Policy Framework and Budget

11. The adoption and subsequent changing of the Constitution is a matter for the Full Council.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

12. The monitoring and amendment of the Constitution is an internal matter and therefore no external consultation is necessary.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

13. Corporate Resources

Background Papers

Council Constitution

Contact Officer

Jeff Wyatt, Tel: 01446 709408

Officers Consulted

Managing Director

Head of Finance

Head of Human Resources

Operational Manager (Audit)

Responsible Officer:

Debbie Marles, Monitoring Officer