Council and councillors

Key decision

(Report no: 66/2020)

1.    Cabinet noted the use of the Civil Emergency Delegation

2.    Cabinet noted the Advice of the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer in relation to the duration of the emergency powers.

3.    Cabinet agreed to review the emergency powers at each meeting of Cabinet to ensure that the powers are still required.

The Chief Executive elaborated on a report noting the use of the Civil Emergency Delegation. It was explained that everyone was working in unprecedented times and noted that the recommendations wold allow the Council to undertake the necessary functions and reviewing the powers at each Cabinet meeting would provide a check and balance on the arrangement.

In response to a questions asked, the Monitoring Officer explained that a log of decisions was being kept and noted that this was confidential due to the sensitive nature of some of the decision being made.

Members welcomed that the delegation would be kept under review at future Cabinet meetings.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the use of the Civil Emergency Delegation be noted.

2.     That the Advice of the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer in relation to the duration of the emergency powers be noted.

3.     That the emergency powers be reviewed at each meeting of Cabinet to ensure that the powers are still required.

Reason for the decision:

The emergency response remains in full effect and the situation is expected to become more challenging in the near future. The recommendations are designed to ensure that as early as possible in the crisis Cabinet is formally made aware of the Constitutional position, actions being taken and so able to provide democratic oversight.