Decision details

6.1        As the staff canteen on the County Hall campus has been closed, the Committee was asked to consider a report by the Director of Law and Assurance on whether alternative catering arrangements should be made for member meetings in future (copy appended to the signed minutes).

6.2        Overall members were supportive of the proposals in the report that hot drinks should continue to be made available for members through the existing coffee machines and that sandwich lunches should be provided on full Council days. One member suggested that members should claim on expenses rather than food being provided but it was noted that, due to the current subsistence rates, providing a sandwich lunch would be more cost effective.

6.3        Members were keen that Edes House should continue to be used for lunches on Council day where possible. It was felt important for members to have the chance to have a proper break during what was often a long day, particularly those members who had a long way to travel to get to the meeting. It was requested that lunches provided should include healthy options. The opportunity to network and get to know each other, particularly given the lack of contact since the election due to the restrictions of social distancing, was also important. It was however acknowledged that on occasions it might not be possible to use Edes House depending on the impact on civil ceremonies and use by the Coroner for inquests.

6.4        The Head of Democratic Services acknowledged the importance of networking for members and said that if Edes House were unavailable, then alternatives would be considered. Consideration would also be given to how best to provide healthy options for lunches.

6.5        Resolved –

(1)         That hot drinks continue to be made available to members through the existing coffee machines;

(2)         That sandwich lunches be provided on County Council meeting days and for other meetings when agreed by the Head of Democratic Services in consultation with that meeting’s chairman; and

(3)         That, where possible, lunches on full Council day be held in Edes House.