Update Council protocols to support residents – Cllr Roodhouse
At a Full meeting of Rugby Borough Council on Thursday 24 September 2020, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, member for Paddox Ward, raised the issue of Councillors being better informed by Rugby Borough Council about issues affecting their local area.
Through a Written Question, Councillor Roodhouse asked the Leader of the Council what actions can be taken to ensure that Councillors are kept fully informed about the decisions that affect their wards.
The Leader of the Council responded saying that as set out within the working relationship protocol there is a requirement that Councillors be provided with up to date information related to their responsibilities and roles. The process is underpinned by the Council's constitution which sets out the working relationship between Councillors and Officers and the decision-making powers that are granted to specific officers.
Commenting, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Paddox), said:
"Councillors are responsible to their electorate and decisions made by this Council can affect their wards. Rugby Borough Council protocols must be updated to take into account pre-consultation with elected ward members to ensure issues such as planning and development but also road works, grass cutting and street cleaning can be better communicated to residents and everyone knows what is going on."
Questions and answer in full:
Question from Councillor Jerry Roodhouse - 24 September 2020
"Councillors are responsible to their electorate and decisions made by this Council can affect their wards. What actions can be taken to ensure that Councillors are kept fully informed about the decisions that affect their wards?"
Councillor Lowe, Leader of the Council, to reply as follows:
"The Council fully recognises the responsibility of Councillors towards their electorate. This responsibility and decision making is underpinned by our constitution which sets out the working relationship between Councillors and Officers and the decision-making powers that are granted to specific officers. As set out within the working relationship protocol there is a requirement that Councillors are provided with up to date information related to their responsibilities and roles. This wide remit, along with the protocol overall ensures Councillors are kept fully informed about the decisions that affect their wards. A key example of this is the steps that were taken at the height of the COVID pandemic. These actions included a weekly Q&A session and a weekly Member information email from the Communications team."