Issue - meetings

For Members to collectively note the terms of reference for the Orbis Public Law Joint Committee.

Declarations of interest:

None

Witnesses:

Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis, Executive Lead Officer for Strategy, Governance and Law, Brighton and Hove City Council

Ann Charlton, Director of Legal, Democratic and Cultural Services, Surrey County Council.

Philip Baker, Assistant Chief Executive, East Sussex County Council

Tony Kershaw, Director of Law, Assurance and Strategy, West Sussex County Council

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.            The Committee received an introduction to the report from officers who advised that the recommendations only required Members to note the Terms of Reference for the Orbis Public Law Joint Committee as these had previously been agreed. Officers highlighted, however, that the Joint Committee had the power to amend the Terms of Reference as and when this was deemed to be necessary.

2.            The Committee was advised that each authority could appoint one substitute to the Joint Committee. Officers indicated that Brighton and Hove City Council’s substitute to the Joint Committee would be appointed on an annual basis.

3.            Members were told that specific standing orders had not been compiled for the Joint Committee as it had been agreed that it would follow the standing orders of the authority that was hosting the meeting.

Actions/ further information to be provided:

None

RESOLVED: That theOrbis Public Law Joint Committee:

                     i.                 noted the Terms of Reference agreed by the constituent authorities as set out in Annex 1 to the report; and

                    ii.                 agreed that meetings are chaired by the Lead Member for the authority hosting the meeting.