Review of Committee Meetings on Agenda

Following a recent Peer Challenge at Harborough District Council, carried out by representatives of the Local Government Association (LGA), opportunities were identified for more efficient and streamlined approaches to council decision-making.

Peer Challenges recognise achievements made by local authorities but also offer recommendations on how to improve and work better in the future.

In response to this, two reports will be considered by Harborough District Council’s Constitutional Review Committee, on Tuesday 12 June 2018, focusing on delegated powers and speaking at meetings.

Proposals are that up to three representatives would be able speak in favour of a planning application and up to three would be able to speak against. The local district council ward councillor(s), local parish or town councillor(s) and community body if the application relates  to Market Harborough – would also be able to make representations.

The current public speaking procedure allows for an unlimited number of speakers often resulting in an imbalance of representations on planning applications. It has also resulted in lengthy meetings with some meetings having to be adjourned and completed at a later date. It could help reduce the time members of the public are waiting to speak – sometimes several hours.

Recommendations will also be considered to allow only elected councillors to ‘call-in’ planning decisions to Planning Committee.

The proposals would bring the district council’s procedures more in line with those adopted by other local authorities across the country.

Read the full report and agenda on the council’s website