The Constitution Committee of Gloucestershire County Council met on Monday 27 April 2026 to discuss arrangements for motions, the appointment of a member to the Independent Remuneration Panel, and an update to the Whistleblowing Policy. The committee agreed to continue with the current motion arrangements, delegate authority for the appointment of a new Independent Remuneration Panel member to a selection panel, and noted an amendment to the Whistleblowing Policy.

Review of Motion Arrangements

The committee discussed the current system for determining the order of motions debated at council meetings. This system, agreed in June 2025, involves motions rotating between political groups, with the largest group having the first motion, followed by the second largest, and so on. This order then rotates for subsequent meetings.

Concerns were raised by one member that this system was not proportionate or fair, as groups with fewer councillors had the same opportunity to submit motions as larger groups. This member also suggested that the administration should not be putting forward motions, as they have other avenues to influence council business. Another member felt it was important to observe a full rotation cycle before considering changes, though they were open to discussing proportionality later.

The discussion also touched upon the two-hour time limit for debates, with members expressing no desire to suspend this standing order. Suggestions were made for better management of debates, including indicative timings and group management, to ensure complex issues could be adequately discussed.

Ultimately, the committee voted to continue with the current arrangements to allow for a full rotation of groups having the opportunity to present their motions first. A further review will take place in October 2026.

Independent Remuneration Panel Member Appointment

The committee was asked to approve the process for appointing a new member to the Independent Remuneration Panel¹. This panel is responsible for reviewing members' allowances. In line with constitutional requirements, a selection panel will be formed to consider the three applications received. This selection panel will comprise one member from the Liberal Democrat, Reform, and Green groups on the Constitution Committee, along with the Head of Democratic Services in an advisory capacity. The Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel will also have an advisory role.

The committee resolved to delegate authority to this selection panel to make the appointment of the new member.

Update to Whistleblowing Policy

The committee noted a report detailing an amendment to the Council's Whistleblowing Policy. This update includes a reference to sexual harassment, aligning the policy with the Employment Rights Act 2025², which came into effect on 6 April 2026. This legislation recognises disclosures related to sexual harassment as protected disclosures, offering whistleblowers legal protection against retaliation. The amendment ensures the policy explicitly reflects this change, providing explicit assurance to individuals raising concerns about sexual harassment.