MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COUNCIL
6 DECEMBER 2017
REPORT OF THE DEMOCRACY COMMITTEE 15 NOVEMBER 2017
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
Issue for Decision
On 6 December 2017 the Democracy Committee considered amendments to the Constitution. These included:
Recommendations Made
Reasons for Recommendation
The rationale behind making these changes to the constitution is contained within the report to Democracy Committee, attached as Appendix 1 to this report.
Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended
The Council could choose not to insert a ‘six month rule’ on motions to council. However if the Council does not insert this rule into the constitution, it could lead to inconsistent decision making or the revocation of a decision that was in the process of being implemented.
The Council could choose not to introduce a procedure rule requiring amendments to the budget to be submitted in advance. However this would mean the Council risks not setting a balanced budget if amendments are introduced at the Council meeting and there is not time to understand the implications on the budget of the amendments.
Background Documents
Appendix 1: Amendments to the Constitution Report to Democracy Committee 15 November 2017