The Constitution of Ealing Council was scheduled for discussion, covering its structure, operational rules, and the roles and responsibilities of its members and officers. The meeting's agenda focused on reviewing and potentially amending various chapters of the Constitution, including those pertaining to financial management, contract procedures, and ethical governance.

The Council's Constitution

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the entirety of the London Borough of Ealing's Constitution, which outlines how the Council operates, makes decisions, and ensures transparency and accountability. The Constitution is divided into chapters, detailing the roles of councillors, the executive, committees, and officers, as well as procedures for access to information, ethical governance, financial management, and officer employment.

Introduction to the Constitution

Chapter 1 of the Constitution was scheduled for review, providing a summary and explanation of the document itself. It details how the Constitution is managed, the roles and functions of councillors, the decision-making processes, citizens' rights, and matters relating to finance, contracts, legal affairs, and officers. The chapter emphasizes the Council's commitment to providing leadership, making effective and accountable decisions, and ensuring citizen involvement.

The Council and its Procedures

Chapters 2 and 9 were set to be discussed, covering the role and functions of the Full Council, its procedure rules, and the election and duties of the Mayor. This includes the annual meeting's business, ordinary and extraordinary meetings, notice requirements, quorums, and rules of debate. The agenda also included provisions for public questions and petitions, as well as motions with and without notice.

The Executive and Decision Making

Chapter 3 and parts of Chapter 8 were scheduled for consideration, focusing on the Leader and Cabinet, Cabinet Procedure Rules, and the responsibility for functions. This section outlines how executive decisions are made, the composition of the Cabinet, the roles of the Leader and Deputy Leader, and the allocation of portfolios. It also details the process for making decisions, including those that are key decisions and those that fall outside the budget or policy framework.

Scrutiny and Committees

Chapters 4 and 5 were on the agenda, detailing the terms of reference for Overview and Scrutiny Committees and Scrutiny Panels, along with the Council's general committee structure. This includes the powers and duties of scrutiny committees in reviewing executive decisions and policy development, as well as the appointment and terms of reference for various other committees such as the Audit Committee, Planning Committee, and Licensing Committee.

Ethical Governance and Access to Information

Chapters 6 and 7 were scheduled for discussion, covering access to information procedure rules and ethical governance. This includes the public's rights to attend meetings, inspect documents, and make complaints. It also outlines the Codes of Conduct for Members in relation to planning and licensing matters, and the protocol for Member-Officer relations, aiming to maintain high standards of conduct and transparency.

Financial Management and Contracts

Chapters 9 and 10 were set to be reviewed, detailing the Financial Procedure Rules and Contract Procedure Rules. These chapters cover the financial management roles and responsibilities of officers and members, budget preparation, control of resources, and the procedures for entering into contracts. The rules aim to ensure probity, transparency, and value for money in all financial dealings and procurement activities.

Officer Employment and Members' Allowances

Chapters 10 and 11 were also on the agenda, addressing officer employment procedures and the Members' Allowances Scheme. This includes rules for the recruitment and dismissal of officers, particularly senior roles, and the framework for allowances paid to councillors, including basic, special responsibility, travel, and carers' allowances. The scheme aims to ensure fair recognition of councillors' time, workload, and responsibilities.