Decision details

45.1     The Committee was reminded it has agreed to review plans for Council/committee meetings at each of its meetings during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Committee considered a report by the Director of Law and Assurance containing an update on meeting arrangements up to March 2021 together with information on member catering.

45.2     The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and highlighted that the Committee was asked to consider whether County Local Committees (CLCs) should be cancelled in February/March 2021, to be replaced with informal meetings to reduce current pressures on Democratic Services and to ensure that the other formal committees could continue to take place virtually. She also reported that an officer decision was in progress to permanently close the County Hall campus Martlets restaurant, so asked members to comment on the future of member catering, most of which is provided by the Martlets restaurant.

45.3     The Committee discussed the round of CLC meetings and agreed that informal sessions should replace them. While regretting the lack of capacity for running formal CLCs, members acknowledged the pressures on Council staff.

45.4     In response to a question about areas of Democratic Services support could be affected if CLCs were to go ahead, the Director of Law and Assurance reported that election and induction work for the 2021 elections and the Service’s ability to redeploy staff to support the emergency effort in Adults and Children’s services would be the main areas affected.

45.5     Members discussed catering and noted that neighbouring councils had more limited catering than has been provided at West Sussex County Council. Having some sort of lunch provided on Council day and on other days with long meetings was highlighted as important, to minimise increases in allowance claims. There was also some support for providing tea and coffee facilities. It was agreed that all members should be consulted on the matter.

45.6     Cllr Walsh proposed that formal CLC meetings should be held in February/March 2021. This was seconded by Cllr M Jones. A vote was taken and the proposal was lost.

45.7     Resolved –

(1)        That the list of formal meetings due to be held up to the end of March 2021, as set out at the appendix, be noted.

(2)        That formal County Local Committees be cancelled in February/March 2021 but informal sessions should be held instead.

(3)        That all members should be consulted on future catering arrangements in view of the proposed closure of the Martlets Restaurant.

(4)        That the Council’s capacity and resources to support member meetings should continue to be monitored by this Committee in liaison with all members.