Issue - meetings

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    the Review of Council Size, which proposes an increase in the number of Councillors for Rushcliffe Borough Council to 46 Councillors subject to Full Council approval in March 2021 be endorsed; and

b)    the Chief Executive be requested to make arrangements for the Review to be sent to the Commission as the Council’s draft submission subject to Full Council approval in March 2021.

The Leader presented the report of the Chief Executive outlining the proposed electoral review of Rushcliffe.

The Leader advised that the review had been requested by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE), which had asked the Council to consider how many Councillors were required to effectively represent the electorate, and it was noted that the report would be submitted to Council in March 2021 for approval.  The Leader explained that a key consideration was the anticipated 18% growth in population size over the review period of 2020-2027, which would result in an increase in the average number of electors per Councillor rising from 2,058 to 2,509, based on the current number of Councillors.  That anticipated growth would be substantial and would be driven in particular by two significant housing developments at Gamston and Fairham. 

The Leader confirmed that as part of the review, Councillors had been asked about their workloads and the LGBCE had provided a very comprehensive template, to cover all aspects of how the Council operated, details of which were highlighted in the report.  Cabinet was advised that following the review it was being recommended that the number of Councillors should increase by two, to 46.  

The Leader welcomed the forthcoming review of ward boundaries, due to take place over the summer 2021, which would also help to minimise the variance in the number of electors per Councillor.

In respect of financial implications, the Leader advised that with an increase of two Councillors, there would be an additional £11,000 per annum in basic allowances, and potentially additional expenses and training costs and if approved, that would be included within the revenue budget for 2023/24.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Edyvean referred to the significant projected rise to the Borough’s population up to 2027 and stated that the proposed increase of two Councillors would help to mitigate against the associated additional workload and ensure that Councillors could continue to fulfil their roles in the community.  Councillor Edyvean also welcomed the forthcoming review of ward boundaries, which would reflect the changing pattern of population growth.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    the Review of Council Size, which proposes an increase in the number of Councillors for Rushcliffe Borough Council to 46 Councillors subject to Full Council approval in March 2021 be endorsed; and

b)    the Chief Executive be requested to make arrangements for the Review to be sent to the Commission as the Council’s draft submission subject to Full Council approval in March 2021.