In proposing the recommendations, Councillor Baldock thanked the Policy & Engagement Officer for her hard work in producing a good report.  He said that based on the response of Members and work undertaken, the Council had made the case that the Council size should be increased to 55.  Councillor Baldock added that it was a shame that due to devolution it would probably never happen.

The Leader seconded the recommendations and reserved his right to speak.

The Leader of the Conservative Group said that the financial implications of the additional Members needed to be considered and was it the most efficient use of the Council’s resources?  He said that whilst the Committee system allowed broader participation, it could lead to longer processes and potential inefficiencies compared to the Cabinet model.  The Leader of the Conservative Group said that the balance between inclusivity and streamlined governance needed to be carefully managed.  He considered that whilst the increase in Members might help to distribute workload, it would not assist with case working efficiencies, digital engagement demands or support for councillors and that improved technological tools, increased officer support, or processed streamlining should be explored.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group said that she fully supported increasing the size of the Council as there had been good cross-party input to the report and also because case work was far more complex than it previously had been.  She referred to the diversity and equality section of the report, and said it was important that people with different life experiences were able to speak in the chamber and to allow greater accessibility to enable people to represent their residents effectively.  

The Leader of the Green Group noted the cost of the additional Members and considered that the value for money they would bring would be ‘enormous’.  Members were very stretched and decreasing the workload would help to make the councillor role more accessible to those in employment, on low incomes and from diverse backgrounds.

In response to a question from a Member, the Chief Executive advised that officers had asked the Local Government Boundary Commission whether they should continue with the review in light of devolution.  They had responded to say they were in discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and central government about this, and until those discussions were concluded the Council should continue with the review.

The Mayor opened the debate to other Members, and points raised included:

·         Disagreed that 55 councillors would spread the workload and the calculations were ‘flawed’;

·         workloads were determined by issues, so extra councillors would not reduce workloads;

·         the proposal would increase costs to the Council and officer time;

·         considered that some wards would benefit additional councillors;

·         considered that there was already a diverse mix of councillors;

·         supported more councillors that worked to really represent their area; and

·         Parish and Town Councils were an important ‘voice’ for residents especially with devolution, suggested another governance review to ensure all areas of Swale had such representation.

The Leader supported the proposal which he considered would ‘spread the load’ and increase diversity.

In concluding, Councillor Baldock said that the country had the lowest ratio to elected residents anywhere in Europe, and he fully supported the report which he considered really represented the work of councillors at Swale.  He said it should be considered for submission to the next Boundary Commission review for devolution.

Resolved:

(1)   That the Council Size Submission document, as attached at Appendix I of the report, be approved as the Council’s formal submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England as part of the Council’s Local Government Boundary Review.

(2)   That the Government policy position set out in the English Devolution White Paper on 16 December 2024 on devolution and local government reorganisation, may have an impact on the progression of the boundary review in Swale be noted.