Agenda and decisions

To receive any apologies for absence.

To approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue.

We are now live webcasting most of our committee meetings and you are welcome to view and listen to the discussion. The link to each webcast will be available on the meeting webpage, please see details under ‘click here to join online meeting’.

To consider endorsing the revised Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders and recommend their adoption by Full Council.

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance committee considered the review of the Contract Procedure Rules and recommended the proposed revisions set out in Appendices B and C for approval by Full Council on 26^th September.

The committee supported the Officer’s recommendation to Full Council of an amendment to the effect that a fourth quote must be sought from a supplier not previously used for low value Goods, Services, and Works contracts.

To consider Somerset Council’s proposed submission for the number of councillors to the Local Government Boundary Commission’s Electoral Review.

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance committee:

1.    Reviewed and agreed the proposed Council Size submission to the LGBCE.

2.    Agreed to recommend the submission to the Full Council meeting on 26^th September for approval.

To consider the update from Steven Lake, Electoral Services Manager, and Peter Stanyon, Chief Executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators.

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance committee considered the updates on the General Election in 2024.

To consider the proposal.

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance Committee considered and approved the proposal to commence the review of the parliamentary polling districts and polling places.

To consider the proposed revisions to Part I1, I2, and I3 and recommend adoption by Full Council.

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance committee considered the proposed revisions to Part I1, Part I2, and Part I3 of Somerset Council’s Constitution and recommended them for adoption by Full Council on 26^th September 2024.

To consider the work programme and identify any potential changes.

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance Committee noted the work programme.