Official Communications
Minutes:
Update by the Chief Executive
The Chief Executive informed Council that specialist and definitive legal advice had now been received from a Queen’s Counsel which confirmed that the election of Councillor Tim Payne on 6 May 2010 was lawful as was his continuance as a member of the Council. Councillor Payne was deemed to have served continuously since that date and had a term of office lasting until May 2014. The membership of the Council therefore stood at 28, pending elections for the 12 wards affected by the High Court’s decision to quash the Structural Changes Order.
The Lord Mayor deplored the current situation which had led to 12 Councillors having to stand down as a result of the quashing of the Structural Changes Order and the resultant loss of democratic representation in the City. He hoped that the courts would address the situation expediently in order that an election could be called as soon as possible. He thanked all of the former Councillors for their hard work on behalf of the City.
In accordance with Standing Order 48, the Lord Mayor suspended the normal business of the Council and invited those former Councillors who were present at the meeting to address the Council. Mrs Yolonda Henson, John Shepherd, Chris Gale and Paul Smith addressed the members of the Council and expressed their great regret that they had been obliged to vacate their offices in these circumstances and through no fault of their own. They recorded their appreciation to their former colleagues, both Councillors and officers, for their support, advice and assistance during their terms of office and expressed their optimism for the future of the City despite this temporary setback.
Petitions
Councillor Wadham presented a petition on behalf of 101 residents on the Loram Way estate, Alphington, requesting the Council to take over maintenance of the green areas on the estate and this was referred to Scrutiny Committee - Economy.
Councillor Newby presented a petition on behalf of 860 residents of Topsham objecting to a planning appeal decision against the Route2 Café’s two new painted signs and this was referred to Planning Committee.