Brent Council has approved significant changes to its constitution, including new rules for written questions and motions, designed to reflect the council's new political composition following the May elections.
The standing orders for written questions and motions have been updated to ensure arrangements remain fair, workable, and fit for purpose,
according to Councillor Muhammed Butt. Under the new rules, the allocation of motions to full Council meetings will provide two for the Labour group, and one each for the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Green groups. This same principle will guide the approach to written questions, ensuring members across the Council are able to hold the Administration to account in a way that is proportionate, practical, and reflective of the new circumstances.
The council also determined the allocation of seats on its committees to reflect the new political balance. The Labour Group will have 26 councillors on committees, the Conservative Group 11, the Liberal Democrat Group 11, and the Green Group 9. A report on the matter stated, The task before us tonight is to ensure that the council's committee structure reflects that position fairly, lawfully and practically. Political balance is not optional. Council is required to make arrangements that, as far as reasonably practicable, reflect the composition of full council, while also ensuring that our decision-making, scrutiny and regulatory functions can operate effectively from the outset of this new term.
The Conservative Group has been formally designated as the principal opposition group. Councillor Butt commented, In a council under no overall control, it is important that there is clarity in the arrangements for opposition representation and accountability. This designation reflects the need for a clear, effective opposition role within the council's governance framework.
The updated rules aim to ensure that the arrangements for questions and motions are proportionate, practical, and reflective of the new circumstances.
While specific limitations on the types of questions or motions are not detailed, the allocation of two motions to the Labour group and one to each of the opposition groups suggests a quantitative limitation. Councillor Butt added, It gives all groups a clear and fair route to bring matters forward for debate, while also ensuring that Council meetings remain manageable and focused.
These changes were discussed and approved during a recent council meeting, as detailed in the Public reports pack.
