Agenda item

With reference to article 5 of the minute of its meeting of 20 March 2020, the Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Governance which provided an update on the governance arrangements put in place to facilitate

decision-making during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report recommended:-

that Committee –

(a)       note that the governance arrangements put in place were positively contributing to the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic;

(b)       note the Scottish Government’s advice for the easing of restrictions as

contained within its Covid-19 Framework for Decision Making;

(c)        note that at the meeting of the Urgent Business Committee on 20 March 2020, the Committee agreed to review the retention or otherwise of the temporary Standing Order providing for remote participation and whether Full Council, committee, sub-committee and working group meetings should proceed from 24 August 2020;

(d)       approve the proposed diary of meetings for the remainder of 2020 and 2021 (Appendix 1 to the report);

(e)       determine whether or not to continue with the current membership of the

Urgent Business Committee;

(f)        determine whether or not to maintain the Standing Order providing for remote participation;

(g)       approve the amendments to the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee Standing Orders as set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report; and

(h)       appoint one elected member as the Council’s representative on KIMO with immediate effect.

The Convener moved, seconded by the Vice Convener:-

That the Committee -

(i)         note that the governance arrangements put in place were positively contributing to the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic;

(ii)        note the Scottish Government’s advice for the easing of restrictions as contained within its Covid-19 Framework for Decision Making;

(iii)       agree that Full Council, Committee, Sub Committee and Working group meetings should commence with the approval of the diary at (vii) below;

(iv)       agree that Pre-application Forums should restart with immediate effect and that the Chief Officer – Governance arrange such meetings following consultation with the Chief Officer Strategic Place Planning and the Convener of Planning Development Management Committee; 

(v)        agree that all Committee, Sub Committee and Working Group meetings should be held in the Council Chamber with effect from week commencing 10  August 2020, and where access cannot be provided to the public and media, that meetings be webcast, where possible within the confines of the current webcasting contract, and to delegate authority to the Chief Officer - Governance, following consultation with Conveners, to move meetings back to committee rooms when government guidance allows;

(vi)       note section 4.12 of the report and agrees to cancel the meeting of Full Council scheduled for 24 August 2020;

(vii)      subject to part (vi) above, approves the proposed diary of meetings for the remainder of 2020 and 2021 (Appendix 1);

(viii)     agree the membership of the Urgent Business Committee to be 9 in line with the Council’s agreed position on 20th March pre Covid 19 restrictions and the previous composition;

(ix)       agree to delete Standing Order 16;

(x)        approve the amendments to the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee Standing Orders as set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report; and

(xi)       appoint Councillor Wheeler as the Council’s representative on KIMO with immediate effect.

Councillor Alex Nicoll moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Yuill:-

That the Committee:-

(i)         note the Scottish Government’s advice for the easing of restrictions as contained within its Covid-19 Framework for Decision Making;

(ii)        note that at the meeting of the Urgent Business Committee on 20 March 2020, the Committee agreed to review the retention or otherwise of the temporary Standing Order providing for remote participation and whether Full Council, committee, sub-committee and working group meetings should proceed from 24 August 2020;

(iii)       approve the proposed diary of meetings for the remainder of 2020 and 2021 contained in Appendix 1, and that the Full Council meeting on 24 August 2020 go ahead as scheduled;

(iv)       determine with effect from 1st July 2020 membership of the Urgent Business Committee shall revert to nine members as previously agreed representing each political group in the Council;

(v)        agree to maintain the Standing Order providing for remote participation;

(vi)       approve the amendments to the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee Standing Orders as set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report; and

(vii)      appoint one elected member as the Council’s representative on KIMO with immediate effect.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (3) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; and Councillor Boulton; for the amendment (2) - Councillors Alex Nicoll and Yuill.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.