The Leader of the Council – Minutes – 2 August 2011

The following item contains exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

1 (1) STAFF SUPPORT IN THE POLITICAL GROUP OFFICES – The Director of Corporate and Community Services submitted a report seeking to determine appropriate staffing support in the two political group offices, following the May 2011 local elections.

The formal position of the council was that the main political groups should each have their own dedicated staff teams. These teams were located within the staffing establishment of the Democratic Services division in the Directorate of Corporate and Community Services. The nature of the staff support available to the political groups fell under three categories: general secretarial and administrative support; specific support for executive portfolio-holders; and policy research.

Both political groups were consulted on the options set out in Appendix 1 to the report, with preferred options being submitted by both group offices.

The directly affected staff and trade unions were consulted on the proposed options for the three types of staff support. These proposed options and a summary of the responses to them were set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

Resolved – (a) That the proposals set out in this report regarding the level of staffing support required for the two political groups be approved, and (b) that the proposed changes to the staffing establishment take place with immediate effect and be implemented in line with the council’s policies and procedures.

Where there is no report this is because it is exempt, as it contains information which is considered to be of a confidential nature, as detailed in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act.